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

Giant panda Bao Li in the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat of the Asia Trail exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

The Pandas Are Here

Bao Li and Qing Bao are awaiting your visit at Smithsonian's National Zoo. Find out how you can support the giant panda program.

Saturday, June 21

Science Solstice Saturday

Get ready for a free, fun-filled immersive scientific experience at the Zoo! On Solstice Saturday, visitors can engage with scientists, researchers and animal experts to learn how science is shaping the future of wildlife conservation. 

LATEST STORIES

May 28, 2025

Zoo Welcomes Alpacas ‘Rainstorm’ and ‘Coffee Cup’

Fuzz fans, rejoice! Two new alpacas have made their debut at our Kids’ Farm exhibit.

May 19, 2025

Get to Know the Gorilla Troop Living at the Zoo

Want to tell the western lowland gorillas apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the troop.

May 16, 2025

The Bears and the Bleats

Bleats and chirps between two giant pandas are a sure sign that flirtatious feelings are in the air! Read all about the bears and the bleats in our latest #DCPandas update.

May 14, 2025

Meet the Bat-Eared Fox

This peculiar-looking canine uses its exceptional hearing to hunt for termites and beetles — here are some more fun facts about the species.

May 08, 2025

After Resettling Project, Sihek Are Flying Free in the Wild

One year after a translocation project brought the Guam kingfisher, or sihek, to a remote Pacific island, Zoo scientists say the iconic species is showing signs of recovery.

May 06, 2025

Remembering Basil

We are very sad to share that Basil — a rescued Virginia opossum who was favorite of many Small Mammal House visitors — died May 1.

May 02, 2025

Happy Amphibian Week 2025

This Amphibian Week, take a closer look at what makes these species so wonderfully weird and worthy of our attention.

April 30, 2025

How Prairie Dogs and Grassland Birds Work Together for Survival

Prairie dogs play a critical role across the North American Great Plains, and researchers are learning every day just how much these industrious squirrels do for their neighbors.

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

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.