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Animal News

Sep. 22, 2023
There’s no better way to celebrate World Gorilla Day than with our adorable animal ambassador, Zahra! Keeper Lynne McMahan shares some of her favorite moments in this Q+A.  
Cheetah mother Echo with five cubs born Sept. 12, 2023
Sep. 21, 2023
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, are celebrating a litter of five cheetah cubs born to 8-year-old adult female...
Sep. 18, 2023
Presentation of panda-friendly fruitsicle cakes to beloved giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji in celebration of Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell event. 
Bornean orangutan Redd in the Think Tank habitat.
Sep. 12, 2023
Today, we celebrate Redd’s birthday! Our youngest Bornean orangutan has officially entered his “sassy sevens” era.
Sep. 12, 2023
The Kids’ Farm just got even cuter! In late August, three young kunekune (pronounced KOO-nee KOO-nee) pigs joined the Farm and are already charming visitors. Learn about this unique breed in our...
A porcupine with an overlaid Halloween-style pig mask appears next to the words "Boo at the Zoo".
Sep. 11, 2023
It’s no trick, only the sweetest treat: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery, is back! The Zoo will be brimming with festive displays and spook-tacular trick-or-treating for this...
Female giant panda Mei Xiang stands in a grassy, mulch-covered area
Sep. 06, 2023
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) will celebrate its three giant pandas before the bears depart for China later this year. Visitors are invited to join the...
Photo of Virginia Opossum Basil resting in his exhibit. He is snuggled into a fleece blanket, inside a log.
Sep. 02, 2023
Earlier this summer, the Zoo welcomed Basil, a Virginia opossum (also known as a North American opossum) to the Small Mammal House. Get to know Basil in our new feature, written by animal keeper Mimi...
Tian Tian and Mei Xiang walk towards the camera with their mouths open.
Sep. 01, 2023
Are you an extreme panda fan? Try not to get bamboo-zled by this hardcore quiz!
Mei Xiang drapes her front paws over a log and looks towards the camera.
Sep. 01, 2023
Calling all cubs! Take this kid-friendly quiz and see how much you know about these beloved family of bears! 
A 3-month-old baby gorilla looks into the camera while being held in her mother's arms.
Sep. 01, 2023
Our western lowland gorilla infant hasn't quite figured out how to crawl—but she's getting close! Read the latest #GorillaStory update from primate keeper Francesca Bozzo.
Aug. 29, 2023
The Zoo was temporarily closed due to a bomb threat on Tuesday, Aug. 29. 
A cat walking up a branch
Aug. 28, 2023
With their big ears, wide eyes and furry paws, sand cats may look adorable… but they’re quite tough! Sand cats are the only members of the cat family that live exclusively in desert environments. Get...
Aug. 27, 2023
Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Tian Tian’s 26th birthday with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake.
Aug. 25, 2023
Roads can be a dangerous challenge for terrestrial and arboreal wildlife. One scientist is trying to change that.
An underwater photo of a bleached coral next to a healthy coral. The healthy coral is vibrant and colorful, while the bleached coral is a stark white.
Aug. 23, 2023
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) researchers have achieved a breakthrough in the fight to save the world’s coral reefs from climate change annihilation.
Aug. 22, 2023
Meet four Kids’ Farm residents who are goat-ally cute and curious! One-year-old sisters Betty and Wilma—and 8-year-old sisters Fiesta and Fedora—are the Zoo’s resident Nigerian dwarf goats. 
Giant panda Xiao Qi Ji approaches his third birthday cake.
Aug. 21, 2023
This morning, Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Xiao Qi Ji’s third birthday at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. 
A black-footed ferret kit stretches out on some rocky substrate in its enclosure.
Aug. 17, 2023
Our newest litter of black-footed ferrets is growing up fast. Find out what it takes to care for two-month-old black-footed ferrets in this Q&A with biologist Adrienne Crosier.
Aug. 17, 2023
After a potentially deadly injury, one endangered wild horse got a new lease on life thanks to the Smithsonian's veterinary team.
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Aug. 15, 2023
Try not to get 'swamped' with these bite-sized facts about American alligators and their crocodilian cousins.
Aug. 14, 2023
The Smithsonian's National Zoo will celebrate "miracle cub" Xiao Qi Ji's 3rd birthday on Monday, Aug. 21.
Aug. 11, 2023
They’re spunky, opinionated and enjoy splashing in a cool pool on a hot summer day. Who are these playful pachyderms? Our Asian elephants, Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh! Get to know their personalities and...
Aug. 11, 2023
New research shows limitations to recovery without consistent conservation efforts.
Aug. 11, 2023
Our 2-month-old western lowland gorilla infant, Zahra, is very curious about the world around her. Get the latest #GorillaStory update from primate keeper Carolina Powell.