All the delegates got to explore the zoo's many exhibits. There were charismatic megafauna like the lions, elephants, zebras, and seals. There were cute and cuddly animals like the otters and the red panda that got loose (causing "pandamonium"). There were smaller creatures like the invertebrates and corals. For those unafraid there were even snakes, amphibians, salamanders and the like to enjoy.
After some free time to explore, all the Delegates participated in small group sessions with a variety of zoo experts. Here, zookeeper and seal expert Chelsea Grubb talks to the Delegates about her research with seals, old age, and eye disease and her daily work activities with other animals in the zoo.
After a panel discussion with a variety of polar bear, coral reef, and salamander conservationists and a zoo vet, the Delegates were escorted on a tour of some of the Washington Monuments. Here is part of the colonnade for the World War II Monument
Next, we walked along the reflecting pool to the Lincoln Memorial.
Even though the Washington Monument was under repair, the views from the Lincoln Memorial were stunning!
Here's old Abe, presiding...
This year, we got to take the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Memorial and thank those soldiers for their service.
We also got to visit the Martin Luther King Memorial.
Last, we got to visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Here are some of the White team Delegates in front of one of the memorial's many waterfalls.
Delegates standing on the bread lines that FDR attempted to eliminate with programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps.
After a long day of thought-provoking science, conservation, and monument touring, we returned to the campus of George Mason University to prepare for the next day's opportunities.
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