News Archive

In honor of National Zookeeper Week, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is featuring some of the dedicated professionals who go above and beyond for the animals in our care.

Western lowland gorilla Moke is learning to walk! This week, he spent some quality time with 9-year-old Kibibi.

Read the latest update on the Zoo's 10-week-old western lowland gorilla, Moke, and watch a video of him trying to take his first steps!

Primate keeper Melba Brown says 9-week-old western lowland gorilla infant Moke is taking in all of the sights, sounds and scents around him.

Today, Moke turns two months old! He is just as curious as ever, but now he is becoming bolder and more interested in those around him.

In the past two weeks, our western lowland gorilla infant, Moke, has sprouted two new teeth! When he was five weeks old, the primate team observed two lower incisors break through his gums. Now, at 7 weeks old, he has two new upper incisors!

At 5 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke continues to thrive, and keepers are beginning to see how his personality is developing. He is very curious and wiggly!

Western lowland gorilla infant Moke turned one month old on Tuesday! He continues to do well and remains bright and alert.

Moke's on the move! The 12-day-old western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to do well. 

On Sunday, April 15, western lowland gorilla Calaya gave birth! Calaya and her newborn son, Moke, are resting and bonding in the Great Ape House.

Get the answers to your most internet-searched questions about orangutans.

Family dynamics and relationships can be complicated, even among gorillas. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Great Ape House is home to two groups—called troops—of western lowland gorillas. When deciding to introduce gorillas into a troop, animal care staff carefully consider each individual’s age...

When it comes to caring for babies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, it takes a village.

For western lowland gorilla Calaya, her village of support is the great ape animal care team and her primary keeper, Melba Brown. Every day, keepers use positive reinforcement training to teach the gorillas...

At 16 months old, Bornean orangutan infant Redd is growing stronger and more independent every day. Read all about Redd’s progress and favorite activities in the latest Q&A with animal keeper Erin Stromberg.

How is Redd doing?

Redd is doing very well! Over the past several months, he has...

Everyone likes to have a cozy place to sleep. Western lowland gorillas, however, rarely sleep in the same bed twice. With the exception of young infants, each gorilla in a troop constructs his or her own nest. Gorillas forage where resources are available, so they are often on the move, leaving...

Picture an intelligent mammal. One whose smarts are not only key to their survival but also, in certain situations, to that of humans. The Norway rat may not come first to mind, but its ability to memorize mazes, deftly run up and down walls and keen sense of smell make it a species worth...

For the first time in nine years, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is making preparations for the highly anticipated birth of a critically endangered western lowland gorilla.

Primate keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Red Oak, a red-fronted lemur who was humanely euthanized Aug. 9.

Bornean orangutan infant Redd is 9 months old! Although he still sticks close to mom, Batang, and she keeps a watchful eye on him, he is very active and seems to enjoy exploring his surroundings.

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientist Michael Power and primate keeper Erin Stromberg discuss the science behind great ape milk in this Q & A.

For the first time in 25 years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a male Bornean orangutan. He was born at 8:52 p.m. Sept. 12. Both 19 years old, female Batang and male Kyle bred in January following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos...

For nearly 50 years, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute primatologist Wolfgang Dittus has studied and lived among the toque macaques in Sri Lanka. In our Q & A, he reveals how family relationships, intelligent behavioral strategies and a healthy environment are key to this species’ survival...