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Asia Trail News
May 3, 2013
In a poll conducted on the Zoo’s Facebook page, 830 fans elected to name the cub Hank, a moniker that combines the cubs’ parents’ names, Hana and Francois.
Recent News
Smithsonian's National Zoo to Welcome New Asian Elephant
May 3, 2013
The National Zoo will soon welcome Bozie, a 37-year-old female Asian elephant, into the Zoo's existing herd. She will be on loan from the Baton Rouge Zoo.
January 14, 2013
As rapid economic expansion continues to shape the Asian landscape on which many species depend, time is running out for conservationists aiming to save wildlife such as tigers and leopards. Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have used genetic analysis to find that the natural forest corridors in India are essential to ensuring a future for these species. According to two studies recently published in two papers, these corridors are successfully connecting populations of tigers and leopards to ensure genetic diversity and gene flow.
Relocating Elephants Fails to Decrease Human–Wildlife Conflict
December 10, 2012
Human–elephant conflict in Sri Lanka kills more than 70 humans and 200 Asian elephants every year.
Fishing Cat Kittens Explore Their Yard
August 23, 2012
Visitors to the Smithsonian's National Zoo can now see its three-month-old fishing cat kittens exploring, playing, climbing and fishing on Asia Trail.
Twin Fishing Cats Born at the National Zoo—a First
June 13, 2012
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is closer to cracking the code for breeding one of Asia's most elusive species with the birth of two fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus). Seven-year-old Electra delivered the kittens between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 18 in an off-exhibit den. Their birth marks an important milestone: this is the first time fishing cats have successfully bred and produced young at the National Zoo.
Asian Small-Clawed Otters Debut on Asia Trail
May 12, 2012
On Saturday, May 12, beginning at 10 a.m., we invite everyone to come greet the new otters! At 11 a.m., the public can interact with otter care-takers during our Meet-a-Keeper session. All members and the public will receive a commemorative “ottergraph,” while supplies last, courtesy of Whole Foods Market. The ottergraphs will feature commemorative otter illustrations and reveal their new names.
Infrastructure Supporting National Parks May Provide Poachers Easier Access to Wildlife
May 11, 2012
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists publish new study based on camera-trap images of poachers in Thai park.
National Zoo’s 36-Year-Old Elephant Makes Musical Debut
May 2, 2012
When the elephant keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo hear the sound of a harmonica, it is not the radio they have left on.
April 18, 2012
Researchers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have spent years developing genetic techniques that use more easily acquired samples, and their latest success uses scat, or feces, collected from wild leopards living in the highlands of India.
