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

The Pandas Are Here

Bao Li and Qing Bao have made their public debut at Smithsonian's National Zoo. Find out how you can support the giant panda program.

LATEST STORIES

February 10, 2025

How Are Animal Matches Made?

Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.

February 05, 2025

Zoo Mourns Loss of Komodo Dragon

Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.

February 03, 2025

Zoo Mourns Gray Seal Gunther

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.

January 28, 2025

New Tech to Aid Endangered Ferret

Tiny tracking devices are being used by researchers to monitor the behavior and movements of black-footed ferrets that were reintroduced into the wild.

January 24, 2025

Two New Giant Pandas Debut

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

January 24, 2025

Quiz: Name the Asian Animals!

Camera traps are a valuable tool for wildlife researchers. Can you identify the animals from photos taken in Asia's mountain forests?

January 23, 2025

Meet Vostok, the New Amur Tiger

Vostok, the 2-year-old Amur tiger, is now rotating on exhibit with the other residents of Great Cats. Explore how animal care staff helped him adjust to his new home.

January 22, 2025

Zoo Mourns Bornean Orangutan Kyle

Primate staff are mourning the loss of Kyle, a 28-year-old male Bornean orangutan who died Jan. 10.

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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.


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The Pandas Are Here

The Zoo's giant pandas are part of the fabric of Washington, D.C.’s vibrant history and culture. In celebration of Bao Li and Qing Bao’s debut, we’re rolling out the black-and-white carpet for a “District of Panda” party! Join the fun and greet them in style with our latest limited-edition collection.


Live Animal Cams

Experience giant pandas, lions, elephants and naked mole-rats in live camera views from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.