The National Zoo wants to put up security checkpoints

Tightened security might be in the works at the National Zoo. There are currently 13 pedestrian entrances to the free zoo, but the Washington Business Journal reports that the Smithsonian Institution submitted a proposal to the National Capital Planning Commission to drastically cut the number of entrances.

In the proposal, there would eventually be four entrances total, including one that will be part of the zoo’s upcoming garage addition. Instead of just walking in (as is the case now), zoo goers would need to go through metal detectors and have security guards check their bags — as is the case in other Smithsonian museums.

• Smithsonian planning for permanent security checkpoints at the National Zoo [WBJ]
• D.C.’s National Zoo plans 1,285-space garage [Curbed DC]