The National Zoo is slowly going secure.

The Smithsonian Institution has a proposal before the National Capital Planning Commission for supplemental perimeter fencing, to close gaps in existing fencing and reduce the number of pedestrian entrances from 13 to three — at Connecticut Avenue, the bus lot drop-off, and the Lower Zoo. A fourth entrance will be added later at the soon-to-be-constructed $50 million main zoo parking garage.

This 4,347 linear feet of fencing, designed to “reduce the possibility of vehicular ramming at vulnerable areas,” is only the beginning of phased security changes at the National Zoo. The days of just strolling into the zoo unwatched will eventually come to an end, as permanent screening pavilions and associated fencing will be submitted to the NCPC for review in future phases, according to commission documents, which will be reviewed on July 12.

“These security checkpoints would consist of permanent pavilions, each with several controlled guard posts,…