Welcome to the website of the Smithonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Light Up the Holidays with ZooLights

Stroll through an enchanting winter wonderland and enjoy dazzling lights, hot cocoa, train rides and more! Tickets are on sale NOW.


A litter of cheetah cubs was born Oct. 17 at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Watch mother Amabala and her four cubs on our live webcam.

LATEST STORIES

November 15, 2025

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!

November 15, 2025

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.

October 10, 2025

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.

October 08, 2025

Zoo Welcomes Sailfin Lizards ›

A new species just arrived at the Reptile Discovery Center… and visitors can meet a living “dragon” up close!

October 06, 2025

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.

September 23, 2025

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.

September 17, 2025

Meet Our Red Panda Cub ›

In this Q&A, keeper Jessica Kordell shares the latest on our red panda cub’s developments.

September 12, 2025

#DCPandas: Happy Fourth Birthday, Qing Bao! ›

Join us in wishing our “4-ever sweet” giant panda Qing Bao a happy 4th birthday!

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.

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.