Press Release Archive
An archive of press releases from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

New Kits Born in Black-footed Ferret Cloning Research ›
The Smithsonian celebrates the birth of three litters of black-footed ferrets in the lineage of Antonia, a clone of a ferret who died more than 30 years ago.

Smallest Herbivores Create the Biggest Impact for Grassland Forage ›
New Smithsonian research indicates prairie dogs and grasshoppers have some of the largest impacts on grassland nutrient cycles.

Two Ticketed Halloween Celebrations at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo will return this fall at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Study Reveals Carbon Markets Undervalue Shade-Grown Coffee Farms ›
A new Smithsonian study reveals that carbon-capture initiatives may be overlooking a critical tool in sustainable farming programs: mature trees.

Scientists Use Climate Data to Map, Predict Amphibian Chytrid Disease ›
Thirteen years of climate data helps scientists understand the spread of a deadly amphibian disease and predict potential outbreaks.

New DNA Analysis Allows Scientists to Identify Specific Animals by Their Feces ›
Research from Smithsonian scientists shows that a new method of analyzing fecal samples offers improvements on traditional wildlife monitoring.

Predator Alerts Bring Together Prairie Dogs and Grassland Birds ›
Some birds listen in on prairie dog alarm calls to learn when predators are close, according to a new study from our grassland science team.

Black-Footed Ferrets Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Carnivore keepers at NZCBI's Front Royal, Virginia, campus welcomed a litter of endangered black-footed ferrets May 28.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to Welcome Critically Endangered Arabian Leopards in a Major Conservation Cooperative Agreement With Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla ›
NZCBI and the Royal Commission for AlUla announced an agreement May 13 involving the international conservation and loan of Arabian leopards from Saudi Arabia.

Discovery of Hidden Groups Within Migratory Shorebird Could Aid Conservation ›
Tracking data revealed three groups of long-billed curlew, each with unique migration patterns and conservation needs.

Elderly Komodo Dragon Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.

Elderly Gray Seal Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Gunther, a 33-year-old male gray seal who died Jan. 18.

Innovative Technology Aims to Boost Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Efforts ›
Tiny tracking devices are being used by researchers to monitor the behavior and movements of black-footed ferrets that were reintroduced into the wild.

Two New Giant Pandas Debut at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today.

Bornean Orangutan Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Primate staff are mourning the loss of Kyle, a 28-year-old male Bornean orangutan who died Jan. 10.

Giant Pandas Will Make Their Public Debut Jan. 24 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
On Jan. 24, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Status of Smithsonian Museums and Zoo During a Government Shutdown ›
In the event of a government shutdown, our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Thursday, Dec. 26. Please note that we are closed on Dec. 25.

Giant Panda Video and Photo Gallery ›
The Zoo is home to two world-famous pandas who are symbols of conservation. View and download a gallery of Qing Bao and Bao Li images and video files.

Elderly Female Asian Elephant Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute community is mourning the loss of Kamala, beloved member of its Asian elephant herd and ambassador for her species.

Giant Panda Program Media Resources ›
Find comprehensive resources for media on the giant panda program at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Giant Pandas Arrive at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute From China ›
Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) Tuesday, Oct. 15

ZooLights Returns Nov. 22 to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season.

Drier Winter Habitat Impacts Songbirds’ Ability to Survive Migration ›
A new study shows environmental conditions in migratory birds’ winter homes affect their ability to survive the rest of the year.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Repatriates Kiwi Feathers to New Zealand ›
Kiwi feathers collected from across the U.S. and Europe will soon be heading home in a repatriation effort between the U.S. and New Zealand.