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Shanthi, one of the National Zoo's Asian Elephants, by the pool of the new Elephant Trails habitat. Photo by Janice Sveda, courtesy of the National Zoo.

That’s right, the first part of the new and improved elephant habitat is now open to the public! This new habitat and information center will allow the zoo’s Asian elephants to live in herds—just as they do in the wild—and include walking trails, heated outdoor spots (because DC winters get a mite chilly) and offer plenty of opportunities for both scientists and tourists alike to observe and learn about these creatures.(And like Asian elephants, African elephant numbers are alarmingly low. Surprising Science blogger Sarah Zielinski covered the plight of African elephants earlier this summer via a Q and A with zoologist Iain Douglas-Hamilton.) Free. National Zoo. 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Saturday, September 4: The Afro-Argentine Legacy of Tango: Robert Farris Thompson and Facundo Posadas

Come learn about the cultural history of the tango courtesy of author and Yale University professor Robert Farris Thompson while Argentine tango master Facundo Posadas and his partner Ching Ping Peng demonstrate their mad hot ballroom moves. A book signing of Tango: The Art History of Love will follow the presentation. Free. American Indian Museum, 1:00-3:00 PM.

Sunday, September 5: Stories for All

Listen to storyteller Diane Gardner—also known as Um Attiya—as she tells imaginative, historical and family-oriented tales that are sure to both educate and entertain. While at the museum, be sure to check out the companion show “Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner Connecting Communities through Language,” which documents the historical journey made by people from Africa to the Americas through their language, and their music. Free. Anacostia Museum, 1:00-3:00 PM.

Monday, September 6: Book Signing: Richard Toliver’s An Uncaged Eagle

Retired Air Force colonel and author Richard Toliver will be available to sign copies of his memoir An Uncaged Eagle. Copies of his book will be available in the museum store. Air and Space Museum, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

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