Smithsonian National Zoo Promotes DEI and Climate Programs Across 40 Countries
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Smithsonian National Zoo Promotes DEI and Climate Programs Across 40 Countries
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Summary
Fox News Digital’s review found the Smithsonian National Zoo has embedded DEI, LGBTQ and climate-focused messaging in programming and online content, despite the Trump administration’s broader push to strip such initiatives from the Smithsonian.
Nearly 400 website results for “climate change” and a 2021 zoo article tied climate action to gender equity, civil liberties, health and education, framing conservation work through social-justice themes.
FY2023 Smithsonian diversity records detailed zoo efforts including diversity-focused internships, inclusive-language work and LGBTQ family programming, while annual International Family Equality Day events have run since 2018 and expanded partnerships in 2024.
Several current zoo webpages still highlight inclusion goals, advisory-board and staff profiles reference DEI work, and affiliated groups including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and IUCN maintain equity-focused standards or policies.
The Smithsonian said the zoo’s mission is to connect millions of visitors with wildlife and conservation, while conservative critics argued a taxpayer-funded zoo should prioritize species management over political or ideological messaging.