A new Academic Center, Residential Facility, and Dining Commons are now complete at SCBI Front Royal. Undergraduates have already moved into the Residential Facility for the start of our fall academic semester. Check out the new facility and explore the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Since the birth of giant panda cub Tai Shan in 2005, the world (and especially our scientists) wondered whether Mei Xiang would bring forth a sibling. Then, on September 16, 2012, she gave birth to a female cub. The tragic loss of the Zoo's newest panda underscores the challenges facing these beloved bears. Read the latest update

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) awarded the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park top honors for the 2012 AZA International Conservation Award for our work on scientific approaches to giant panda conservation. Get the details

A spike in West Nile virus is taking health officials across the country by surprise. This year, more than 2,600 people in 45 states and the District of Columbia have been stricken with severe symptoms of this mosquito-transmitted disease. Read the Q & A with SCBI Ornithologist Pete Marra

As any butterfly watcher knows, it is hard enough to spot a specific butterfly—it turns out that tracking a whole population of butterflies poses an even bigger challenge. A research ecologist from SCBI's Conservation Ecology Center uncovers flaws in the methods scientists use to estimate butterfly populations, with important ramifications for wildlife conservation. Read about the study

Did you know that the National Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to hire a research nutritionist on staff? That commitment to promoting and practicing cutting-edge wildlife nutrition for zoo and free-ranging species of birds, mammal, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates continues today. Scientists tailor diets for each of our more than 400 species of animals and conduct nutrition studies on animals both in zoos and in the wild. Explore the Department of Nutrition

Adult Class: The Zoo in Rock Creek Park

Explore how the Smithsonian's National Zoo has been shaped by the topography of Rock Creek Park and what it might look like in years to come with the Zoo's resident landscape architect. Study the importance of the landscape and how natural patterns of the land influence design.

National Zoo Launches App

The National Zoo's mobile app allows you to watch our live web cams from anywhere in the world! Now, with the swipe of a fingertip, smartphone users can explore our animals, exhibits, and conservation projects! Available for both iPhone and Android.

Biodiversity in Tropical Protected Areas May Not Be So Protected Say Smithsonian Scientists

A team of Smithsonian scientists joined more than 200 other researchers around the world to examine if giving protected status to a tropical forest offered adequate protection to the plants and animals within its borders. Read more