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Animal News

Jun. 01, 2020
'Hoppy' Amphibian Awareness Week! All week long, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will be sharing stories about amazing amphibians and the scientists working to save...
May. 28, 2020
This update from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Director Steve Monfort was sent to members of the Zoo Neighborhood Council May 26, 2020. 
Cheetah cubs Hasani, Amabla, Erindi and Jabari at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
May. 28, 2020
Meet Amabala, Jabari, Hasani and Erindi! Now that the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s cheetah cubs have names—thanks to your votes—keepers have bestowed them upon the cubs.
Clouded Leopard Mook
May. 22, 2020
Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Mook, an elderly female clouded leopard who was humanely euthanized May 20 due to a...
A schematic drawing and several photos showing the Reptile Discovery Center's cracking portico
May. 22, 2020
As part of consultation, the Smithsonian is soliciting public comment on the deconstruction, storage and reconstruction of the Reptile House portico. Written comments are welcome for a 30-day period.
Three cheetah cubs sit in the grass beside their den
May. 21, 2020
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is asking the public to help name the litter of four cheetah cubs born April 8!
Five-week-old cheetah cubs in the tall grass.
May. 19, 2020
What does the world outside the cheetah cubs’ den look like? Keeper Amber Dedrick offers a look at the world beyond the webcam's view. 
May. 19, 2020
The Zoo cares for five female Asian elephants from a few different family groups. Luckily, there are a few things that keepers can do to encourage them to build positive relationships. Learn more in...
May. 15, 2020
It's bamboo shoot season, and the Zoo's giant pandas and red pandas are indulging in their favorite food! 
Animal care staff at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute welcomed six black-footed ferret kits to 2-year-old mother Potpie May 10, 2020.
May. 14, 2020
Mother’s Day was extra special for carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, who welcomed the year’s first litter of black-footed ferret...
A close up photo of a cheetah cub's face with mouth open and tiny teeth showing
May. 14, 2020
The cubs are back on the webcam, but bigger and with a bite! Read on for more.
American bison Ten Bears (left) and Kicking Bird (right) at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
May. 14, 2020
Ungulate keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of two elderly American Bison, a male named Ten Bears and a female named Kicking Bird, who were humanely...
This kiwi chick hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute April 28, 2020.
May. 11, 2020
Hot on the tailfeathers of a white-naped crane chick and two Guam kingfisher chicks, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s bird team celebrated the arrival of yet another rare resident—a...
Wood thrush on a branch
May. 08, 2020
Now more than ever, raising awareness about the plight of migratory birds is key to their survival. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we are in the midst of...
Sloth bear Remi at the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Asia Trail exhibit.
May. 08, 2020
Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian National Zoo are mourning the loss of Remi, a 6-year-old female sloth bear who was humanely euthanized May 2, following a foot wound that was not healing despite...
A man wearing a vest and khaki pants stands on a rock overlooking a green valley
May. 05, 2020
This World Migratory Bird Day, May 9, I hope we see record engagement in birdwatching.
May. 04, 2020
Migratory birds are now flooding across the continent as they return to their nesting grounds this spring. World Migratory Bird Day is on May 9, 2020, as people around the globe welcome birds back—...
A Guam kingfisher hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute April 21. It is being raised by its parents, Giha and Animu.
May. 01, 2020
Bird keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the arrival of two Guam kingfisher chicks that hatched April 21 and 23. They are the first offspring for 11-month-old...
May. 01, 2020
Things are hop-penning at Small Mammal House! On Jan. 24, a wallaby joey popped its head out of mom Victoria’s pouch. Get the scoop on the young joey from animal keeper Esther Wray.
May. 01, 2020
From the arrival of adorable chicks to award-winning excellence in animal care, much is brewing behind the scenes at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. 
May. 01, 2020
Chirping cheetah cubs, a birthday party fit for a gorilla and a Madagascar hedgehog tenrec indulging in some self-care with a dust bath—all of these events (and more) made for an eventful month. 
Infant western lowland gorilla Moke rests in the arms of his mother, Calaya, as they sit on top of a wooden structure in their outdoor yard at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
May. 01, 2020
For the past two years, the primate team has had the privilege of sharing the story of our western lowland gorilla infant, Moke, with Smithsonian’s National Zoo fans all over the world. With Mother’s...
A close-up photo of the branch of a hemlock tree
Apr. 30, 2020
New research from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and Shenandoah National Park finds that invasive species of forest insects and pathogens contributed to about a quarter of the tree...
Apr. 29, 2020
In this week’s #cubdate, we take you behind the scenes at a cub weighing! 
Apr. 24, 2020
Landscape ecologist Hila Shamon lives and works in Montana, where she studies the prairie and its wildlife. Over the last year and a half, she has been working with Fort Belknap Indian Reservation...