Boo at the Zoo ›
Enjoy a spooky Halloween evening of trick-or-treating, festive entertainment and animal fun.
Night of the Living Zoo ›
Trade the candy bag for an evening of cocktails, a live DJ set, roving entertainers and flash tattoos.
ZooLights ›
Explore glowing animal lanterns, twinkling lights, cozy treats and live music. Select evenings Nov. 20 – Jan. 3.
LATEST STORIES
Cheetah Cam Returns With a New Litter of Five Adorable Cubs ›
Four generations of one cheetah family now live at the Zoo's off-campus research facility. Meet the newest members, streaming live.
ZooLights Returns Nov. 20 ›
The holiday season will shine brighter at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) as ZooLights returns. Now in its 18th year, ZooLights is brighter than ever and...
Fascinating Facts About North American Porcupines ›
There are plenty of surprises to discover about these prickly creatures.
Watch the Meerkats Play With Halloween Enrichment ›
Seven meerkats got a Halloween-themed surprise from their keepers. See how they dug in.
New Research: Climate Refuges May Be Key To Restoring Amphibians ›
As deadly disease continues to ravage wild frog populations, scientists in Panama found places where amphibians might be able to persist in the presence of disease.
Smithsonian Zoo Director Shares Untold Stories of Giant Pandas ›
Brandie Smith's new book, set to debut Nov. 10, recounts surprising and little-known stories about the Zoo’s pandas and the people who care for them.
Zoo Breaks Ground on Arabian Leopard Exhibit ›
The Smithsonian and the Royal Commission for AlUla kicked off construction on a new exhibit slated to open winter 2029.
Happy 5th Birthday, Qing Bao ›
To celebrate giant panda Qing Bao's birthday, keepers went "far out" and created a 1970s-themed party full of bright colors and iconic pop culture slogans.
Animal Cams
Watch giant pandas, elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on camera at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Go Behind the Scenes of Panda Conservation
Discover unforgettable stories from the Smithsonian's giant panda program — and the science that helps protect one of the world's most beloved animals.
Shop for the Herd
Purchase your plush toys, books, and apparel inspired by the amazing animals at the Zoo. Proceeds from each sale support the Smithsonian mission.
We Save Species
Our science plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction.
Explore our conservation programs at the Zoo and our research headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.