Spring at the Zoo Starts Soon
Beginning March 15, the Zoo stays open later — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plan a spring visit and secure your FREE Entry Passes.
LATEST STORIES
The Prairie Dog: Small Animal, Big Debate ›
Vital to some, pest to others. No other animals symbolize America’s complicated relationship with the Great Plains quite like the prairie dog.
Ecologists Learn AI Skills at the Zoo’s Science Campus ›
As artificial intelligence reshapes science, a new generation of ecologists is learning how to harness its potential.
Box Turtles Are Vanishing. Can Science Help Bring Them Back? ›
Smithsonian researcher Maxwell Earle explains how tracking tech can help protect struggling Eastern box turtle populations in Virginia.
Golden Frogs Going Back to Nature ›
Smithsonian scientists are partnering on a new project to release Panamanian golden frogs back to the wild.
Elephant Calf Update ›
Elephant care team members are working around the clock to foster bonding between calf Linh Mai and her herdmates.
Her Name Is Linh Mai ›
The Zoo's 11-day-old Asian elephant calf received her name today: Linh Mai, Vietnamese for "spirit blossom."
Strengthening Arabian Leopard Conservation ›
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Royal Commission for AlUla are launching the next phase of a global conservation partnership.
Rediscovering Missing Frog Populations ›
Can sound save species? Scientist Brian Gratwicke recounts how cutting-edge recording tools helped researchers rediscover missing frog populations in Panama.
Live Animal Cams
Experience giant pandas, cheetahs, lions, elephants and naked mole-rats in live camera views from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
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.
Explore Our Online Gift Shop
Shop for animal-themed gifts, plush toys, books, and apparel inspired by the amazing animals at the Zoo. Proceeds from each sale support the Smithsonian mission.