Coming Soon... An Elephant Baby!
One of the Zoo’s Asian elephants is pregnant, and the baby is due soon! Learn how we're preparing to welcome the new calf — and how you can join the fun.
Cheetah Cub Cam
A litter of cheetah cubs was born last month at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Get a view of mother Amabala and her four cubs on our live webcam.
LATEST STORIES
How to Keep Classroom Pets Healthy ›
This blog from a Smithsonian intern highlights the joys of classroom pets, and outlines the steps necessary to keep students and animals safe.
How Grasshoppers Beat the Heat ›
On hot days, humans rely on air conditioning, pools and fans to cool us down. Grasshoppers came up with their own clever trick for beating the heat: climbing.
Giant Panda Qing Bao Gets a Checkup ›
Giant panda Qing Bao had a routine checkup Oct. 22. Veterinarians say she is in very good health!
Smithsonian Celebrates Birth of Four Cheetah Cubs ›
Keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia are celebrating the births of a litter of cheetah cubs.
7 Spooktacular Animal Facts for Halloween ›
Read on for some chilling curiosities from the creatures of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Zoo Welcomes Sailfin Lizards ›
A new species just arrived at the Reptile Discovery Center… and visitors can meet a living “dragon” up close!
A Guide to the Orangutans Living at the Zoo ›
Wondering which orangutan you’ll meet on your next visit? Get to know their names and personalities in this guide written by the Primates keeper team.
Virtual Field Trips Bring the Smithsonian to Preschoolers ›
Together with partners, educators at the Zoo and Smithsonian museums are delivering unique learning experiences to early childhood classrooms.
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.