Ancón, Panama, Environmental conservation district in Panama City, Panama
Ancón is an administrative district in Panama City that houses research facilities including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's buildings focused on tropical biology and ecosystems. The district also encompasses the Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, a major transportation terminal, and a shopping mall.
The area emerged during Panama Canal construction to house workers and was home to the Gorgas Army Hospital situated on a hillside. After the canal project's completion, the zone developed into an important administrative and scientific center.
The area houses former canal administration buildings that now serve as homes for important national institutions like the Supreme Court and an oncology hospital, showing how the zone transformed after the canal era.
The district is easily accessible by public transportation and road connections, especially through the airport terminal and the main transport hub. Some areas, particularly research facilities, may have restricted access or limited visiting hours.
The Punta Patiño Reserve within the district spans a large area and serves as a site for animal population monitoring programs. This protected zone plays a key role in tracking endangered species across Panama.
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