News

This cotton-candy-pink bird may look strange, but it's an animal with a fascinating story.

One warm August morning, Reptile Discovery Center keepers’ day began with a “turtly” awesome surprise—a painted river terrapin hatchling. It's the first time this critically endangered species has successfully bred here.

For the first time since 2013, keepers at the Zoo have welcomed two sloth bear cubs.

Redd’s daily treatment reveals how human medical technology is commonly adapted by zoos to help orangutans breathe easier.

Take a look at some bite-sized stories about our science programs this year.

We’ve gift-wrapped a few short highlights that capture the spirit of the year in animal care.

Get an inside look at how our animal care teams conduct a regular checkup on four tiny cheetah cubs.

Two animal care staff sustained injuries following an interaction with binturong Lola.

Fences are creating serious problems for wildebeest herds, says a Smithsonian ecologist studying megafauna migrations in Africa.

Looking for a unique way to make a difference next year? Consider joining the Zoo family!

This blog from a Smithsonian intern highlights the joys of classroom pets, and outlines the steps necessary to keep students and animals safe.

Find comprehensive resources for media on the Asian elephant program at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

For the first time in nearly 25 years, animal care staff are preparing for the highly anticipated birth of an Asian elephant calf.

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.

Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season.

Giant panda Qing Bao had a routine checkup Oct. 22. Veterinarians say she is in very good health!

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.

Read on for some chilling curiosities from the creatures of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

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

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.

The Smithsonian celebrates the birth of three litters of black-footed ferrets in the lineage of Antonia, a clone of a ferret who died more than 30 years ago.

Together with partners, educators at the Zoo and Smithsonian museums are delivering unique learning experiences to early childhood classrooms.

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

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

Say hello to Jasper, Rocky, and Yukon — three Canada lynx brothers you can now see at the Great Cats exhibit!