Dave Arlington aboard the National Zoo Conservation Carousel

This Friday, the public gets its first ride on the new National Zoo Conservation Carousel But I'll take you on board early.

Nearly all of the beautifully-carved wooden animals represent endangered or threatened species that are on exhibit at the zoo. In keeping with the conservation theme, the merry-go-round is even solar powered.

Check out my photos, and follow this link to watch one of the first test rides on the carousel when it was unveiled Sunday.

Hummingbird at the National Zoo Conservation Carousel   Zebra at the National Zoo Conservation Carousel
 

Various animals at the National Zoo Conservation Carousel 

Various animals at the National Zoo Conservation Carousel