LATEST STORIES
Happy Amphibian Week 2025
This Amphibian Week, take a closer look at what makes these species so wonderfully weird and worthy of our attention.
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.
Zoo Gecko Receives Chemotherapy
A 4-year-old Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko recently underwent treatment for skin cancer at the Zoo's veterinary hospital.
The Volunteers Behind the Zoo
For National Volunteer Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the people who put their time, heart, and energy towards helping the Zoo thrive.
Spring Break at the Zoo
This letter was sent to the Zoo Neighborhood Council April 8, 2025.
Meet the Asian Small-clawed Otter
There’s a lot to discover about these energetic little predators — here are some fun facts about the species.
Why I'm Tracking Bison Herds
Smithsonian ecologist Claire Bresnan encourages aspiring scientists to take a chance on themselves, and not succumb to "gloom and doom" in her Focus on the Future feature.
Why Shorebirds Stand on One Leg
It's a question visitors ask staff all the time at the Zoo's Bird House. The answer may surprise you!
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.