×

Due to weekend storm activity, some Panda Palooza activities have been postponed. See the full schedule here.

Animals

Meet the residents of the Zoo
Share this page:

Founded in 1889, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to more than 2,100 animals representing almost 400 different species.

The Zoo’s commitment to conservation, research, and education also extends to its second campus in Front Royal, Virginia. There, scientists and animal care experts conduct veterinary and reproductive research to save wildlife and habitats for some of the world’s most endangered animals on the sprawling 3,200-acre property.

Daily Animal Demos

Keeper Matt Neff dangles a carrot above an Aldabra tortoise's mouth to demonstrate how they reach for food in the trees.
Get a front-row seat to keepers working with animals in these daily demonstrations!

Meet the Animals

Luke Lion
From reptiles and amphibians to fish, birds and mammals, meet the animals at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Veterinary Care

veterinarian examining the eyes of a cheetah cub

Learn how keepers and veterinarians provide the best possible care for the Zoo's animals

Webcams

giant panda cub

The Zoo's animal webcams are some of the most famous on the internet. Tune in to watch the Zoo's giant pandas, elephants, lions and naked mole-rats — live, 24/7!