UPCOMING EVENTS
Boo at the Zoo ›
Get ready for a WILD Halloween evening. The Zoo's beloved family-friendly Halloween celebration is back again, with more holiday delights.
Night of the Living Zoo ›
Get ready for a spine-chilling evening at the Night of the Living Zoo! The Zoo is bringing its adults-only party back from the dead for two nights this year. Expect bigger musical acts, tastier libations and even eerier excitement.
LATEST STORIES
Virtual Field Trips Bring the Smithsonian to Preschoolers ›
In partnership with the National Head Start Association (NHSA), the zoo and museums are delivering learning to early childhood classrooms.
Meet Our Red Panda Cub ›
In this Q&A, keeper Jessica Kordell shares the latest on our red panda cub’s developments.
#DCPandas: Happy 4th Birthday, Qing Bao! ›
Join us in wishing our “4-ever sweet” giant panda Qing Bao a happy 4th birthday!
Canada Lynx Have Arrived at the Zoo ›
Say hello to Jasper, Rocky, and Yukon — three Canada lynx brothers you can now see at the Great Cats exhibit!
Study: Small Herbivores Have a Big Impact on Grassland Health ›
New Smithsonian research indicates prairie dogs and grasshoppers have some of the largest impacts on grassland nutrient cycles.
8 Fascinating Facts About the Cuban Crocodile ›
They’re agile on land. Intelligent in behavior. And…they can gallop like a horse? Learn what makes Cuban crocodiles so extraordinary.
A Guide to the Zoo's Meerkat Family ›
Which meerkat is which? Small Mammal House keeper Ann Gutowski offers some clues on how you can tell the meerkats apart.
Smithsonian Bird Friendly® Celebrates 25 Years ›
What started as a way to protect migratory birds has grown into a global effort that safeguards tropical forests, conserves wildlife, and helps farmers build more resilient livelihoods.
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.
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.