UPCOMING EVENTS
Bao Li's 4th Birthday
Join us in celebrating the fourth birthday of giant panda Bao Li — his first at the Zoo.
International Cat Day
Have a paw-some time with the Zoo's cats — learn how they spend their lives and about how we're working to save cats in the wild.
LATEST STORIES
Study: New DNA Tool Identifies Animals by Their Droppings
Research from Smithsonian scientists shows that a new method of analyzing fecal samples offers improvements on traditional wildlife monitoring.
Fennec Fox Barkley Has Died
We are sad to share Barkley, an 11-year-old fennec fox, was humanely euthanized June 18.
Keeping the Farm Animals Cool With Frozen Treats
Join animal keeper Nikki Maticic on a hot summer day as she prepares icy veggie snacks for the animals at Kids' Farm.
New Foals Born at Conservation Campus
Behind the scenes, our team welcomed four babies from three at-risk species: Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Przewalski’s horse, and Persian onager.
Historic Hatching: Northern Shoveler Ducklings
For the first time since 1908, northern shoveler ducklings have hatched at the Bird House!
Meet Our Rare Whooping Crane Chick
On June 16, keepers welcomed a new addition to our Front Royal, Virginia, campus — a whooping crane chick, or "colt," the fourth of its kind to have hatched in our care.
The Hidden Architecture Behind the Bird House's Garden
Zoo teams transformed the yards outside the Bird House into a thriving, wildflower-filled garden. Find out how they did it.
How Do Snakes Move Without Legs?
Snake species have adapted to climb trees, leap across hot sand, and even swim through water — all without arms or legs. How do they do it?
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.