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Help Name the New Baby Elephant

Animal care teams just welcomed a new Asian elephant calf — the first at the Zoo in nearly 25 years. Learn more about the calf and donate to help pick her name.


visitors interact with a sea lion at the National Zoo

Immerse yourself in the wonders of wildlife at our 163-acre park in the heart of Washington D.C. Admission to the Zoo is FREE.

LATEST STORIES

February 04, 2026

Keepers on the SCBI Cheetah Cubs ›

Learn how keepers are connecting with the cheetah cubs at our science campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

February 03, 2026

Asian Elephant Calf Born ›

For the first time in nearly 25 years, elephant care staff are celebrating the birth of an Asian elephant—an endangered species. 

February 02, 2026

Timber Rattlesnake: American Symbol ›

Tracing the story of how a shy forest-dwelling snake became a powerful emblem of American resilience and self-reliance.

January 27, 2026

Scenes From a Snowy Week at the Zoo ›

While the Zoo was closed, staff members captured some rare scenes of the animals experiencing the falling snow.

January 12, 2026

Scientists Turn to Tracking Tech to Protect Endangered Ferrets ›

Scientists couldn't find the endangered black-footed ferrets they'd reintroduced. To protect them, they'd have to find out where the animals were going, and what was happening to them.

January 09, 2026

8 Fascinating Facts About the Roseate Spoonbill ›

This cotton-candy-pink bird may look strange, but it's an animal with a fascinating story.

January 08, 2026

Meet Our Tiny Terrapin Hatchling ›

One warm August morning, Reptile Discovery Center keepers’ day began with a “turtly” awesome surprise—a painted river terrapin hatchling. It's the first time this critically endangered species has successfully bred here.

January 06, 2026

Zoo Welcomes Two Sloth Bear Cubs ›

For the first time since 2013, keepers at the Zoo have welcomed two sloth bear cubs.

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.

MIGRATORY 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.

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.

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.