Welcome to the website of the Smithonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Zoo Lights logo in front of a walkway illuminated with glowing festive lights on the trees.
UPCOMING EVENTS

ZooLights Returns Nov. 22

This holiday season, light up the night with ZooLights, now in its 16th year! Come enjoy animal illuminations, live musical performances, seasonal treat offerings and more.

 

LATEST STORIES

November 06, 2024

Helping Giant Pandas Feel at Home

A few weeks after their arrival, staff are helping giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao settle into their new home at Asia Trail.

October 15, 2024

Giant Pandas Arrive From China

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

October 04, 2024

Winter Habitat Impacts Migration

A new study shows environmental conditions in migratory birds’ winter homes affect their ability to survive the rest of the year.

October 04, 2024

A Life-Preserving Cheetah Surgery

With the help of 3D modeling technology, a team of veterinary experts successfully carried out a rare spinal surgery on a female cheetah cub.

October 01, 2024

Arapaima, the Freshwater Giants

Reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) long, arapaima are the largest freshwater fish in South America. Learn what else makes these animals unique.

September 30, 2024

Kiwi Feathers Repatriated

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.

September 24, 2024

Happy World Gorilla Day

This summer has been eventful for our youngest western lowland gorilla, Zahra, who will be 16 months old on Sept. 27. Read primate keeper Francesca Bozzo's update!

September 19, 2024

NZCBI Receives Accreditation

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has been awarded a five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Live Bird Friendly® and Support Birds

When you purchase Bird Friendly® certified coffee or cocoa, you preserve critical habitat for birds and wildlife, fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and support farmers committed to farming sustainably.


We Save Species

Our scientists and researchers play a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.

Explore our conservation programs at the Zoo and our research headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.


STORE

The Bears Are Back in Town

Discover our collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs and other limited edition gear while supporting conservation. Now available in color!


Live Streaming Webcams

See elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on animal cams streaming live, 24/7 from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.