News

Starting Feb. 5, the public will have an opportunity to vote on names for two cotton-top tamarin sisters.

NZCBI staff in Front Royal, Virginia, are mourning the loss of Walnut, a white-naped crane who became an internet sensation for choosing one of her keepers as her mate.

When Echo's five cubs were born last fall, their exact parentage was a mystery. A genetic analysis conducted by Smithsonian scientists revealed the truth.

Few animals are as regarded—and feared—as the largest carnivores of the African savannah. But how much do you really know about lions?

Since her birth last May, our baby western lowland gorilla, Zahra, has grown and changed so much. Read the latest #GorillaStory update from keeper Carly Hornberger.

Every Zoo animal receives special care, but some need a little extra support to keep them healthy and active.

When a death occurs unexpectedly, the Zoo’s animal pathologists, like Kali Holder, step up to determine why and how.

For the first time since 2018, the Zoo’s naked mole-rat colony is without a queen. Kenton Kerns, assistant curator of the Small Mammal House, explains how the wrinkled rodents are adapting to the change.

Smithsonian scientists discuss the impact of the first federal law designed to save endangered and imperiled animals from extinction.

When you’re making a list and checking it twice for winter-time activities in Washington, D.C., consider planning a trip to the Zoo. The cooler months can be the perfect time to see your favorite animals without the crowds.

Our male Asian elephant, Spike, looks a little different. The 42-year-old bull recently underwent a routine tusk trim! Get the story from curator Tony Barthel.

Our 7-month-old Western lowland gorilla Zahra is becoming quite the independent little lady... as long as she's not too busy stealing food from her mother!

The American Trail welcomes California sea lion Nick to the herd, as he makes his splashy debut!

In 2004, the United States Congress designated Dec. 13 to be “National Day of the Horse” - an opportunity to recognize the outsized role domesticated horses have played in human history. But for this year’s Day of the Horse, we’re taking a different tack, if you will, to recognize the Przewalski’s...

Our newest litter of five cubs are are playful and closely bonded—and they love chasing each other through the yard. It’s a lot for eight-year-old Echo to keep track of!

Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are settling in nicely in their new home at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda’s ShenShuPing Campus.

Does an animal's personality play a role on whether it will survive in the wild? Researchers are using a surprising clue to find out: poop.

This holiday season, the Zoo invites you to give thanks to a beloved American icon—but not at the dining room table. Learn about how Bird House keeper Jen Ferraro helps care for the Zoo's resident turkeys.

In a little over a week, our western lowland gorilla infant, Zahra, will be six months old! Overall, she is doing great and has recently started going on many little adventures.

Climbing trees, breaking branches and munching on mulberries — that’s a day in the life of our Andean bear brothers, Ian and Sean! Celebrate their first birthdays in this update from keeper Sara Colandrea.

She's spunky, engaging and loves eating bugs. Get to know this 10-year-old female sloth bear, the newest resident of the Zoo’s Asia Trail.

Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji touched down at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport after a 19-hour, 9,000 mile flight from Washington, D.C.

Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji began their journey to China on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

Our newest litter of cheetah cubs are busy exploring... and they just got their first physical! Learn about caring for cubs in this update from carnivore biologist Adrienne Crosier.

A lifelong goal to save animals led Smithsonian fellow Molly Corder to find ways to protect critically endangered black rhinos from extinction threats.