News

This update was written by keeper Nicole MacCorkle Bao Bao is participating in regular training sessions with her keepers, but as always, only on her terms. On the days when she's focused, we make real progress—we build on old behaviors she has mastered, and learn new behaviors. One behavior we have...

How do you keep one of the world’s largest land mammals happy? National Zoological Park’s Janine Brown and a team of collaborators have just completed a large-scale study of the what contributes to elephant wellbeing in human care. Nicknamed the “Happy Elephant Project,” this groundbreaking three...

All four red panda pairs at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va., successfully bred and had cubs this year. Of the 10 cubs, more born at SCBI than any other year, seven have survived. The latest pair to have cubs was Shama and Rusty, who are best known to the public...

All four red panda pairs at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va., successfully bred and had cubs this year. Of the 10 cubs, more born at SCBI than any other year, seven have survived. The latest pair to have cubs was Shama and Rusty, who are best known to the public...

Starting July 2, gray seal pup Rona will be on exhibit! Read about her progress in the latest keeper update from Chelsea Grubb. As Rona grows, are you seeing her personality develop? Rona is a really amazing animal, and we are so lucky to be able to watch her develop physically, socially and...

It's time for an update on our sloth bear cub, Remi! Animal keepers Mindy Babitz and Stacey Tabellario tell us that since making her yard debut in May, Remi has been busy behind-the-scenes getting to know the other bears on Asia Trail. As a baby, Remi was getting round-the-clock feedings. Has...

On Father's Day weekend, Shera's four cubs made their big debut at the Great Cats exhibit! Now, visitors can see the whole pride every day between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. weather permitting. Animal keeper Rebecca Stites gives us the latest update on the cubs. The cubs have already passed several...

The National Zoo's three new female Asian elephants—Kamala (39), Swarna (39) and Maharani (23)—made their public debut in one of the outdoor yards on Elephant Trails for the first time Monday, June 23. After arriving at the Zoo May 23, the elephants spent 30 days in quarantine per standard procedure...

The National Zoo's three new female Asian elephants—Kamala (39), Swarna (39) and Maharani (23) — made their public debut in one of the outdoor yards on Elephant Trails for the first time Monday, June 23. After arriving at the Zoo May 23, the elephants spent 30 days in quarantine per standard...

Thank you for expressing your appreciation for the National Zoo's Invertebrate Exhibit and your concern about its closing. We value your feedback and would like to clarify why we have made this very difficult decision. When the Invertebrate Exhibit opened in 1987, it was a groundbreaking venue. As...

The National Zoo's new three female Asian elephants—Kamala (39), Swarna (39) and Maharani (23)—will be out of quarantine and will have their public debut outside for the first time Monday, June 23.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo Invertebrate Exhibit, home to dozens of small aquatic and terrestrial species without backbones, will close to the public Sunday, June 22. The last day to visit the Invertebrate Exhibit is Saturday, June 21. This difficult decision is not a reflection of the importance...

The four youngest members of the African lion pride at the Smithsonian's National Zoo are making their public debut today at noon at the Great Cats Exhibit! Born March 2 to mother Shera and father Luke, the 14-week-old cubs passed their swim test in May and have received all their vaccinations. They...

The four youngest members of the African lion pride at the Smithsonian's National Zoo are making their public debut today at noon at the Great Cats Exhibit. Born March 2 to mother Shera and father Luke, the 14-week-old cubs passed their swim test in May and have received all their vaccinations. They...

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute celebrated several births recently. During the past several weeks 31 new residents have been born, many of which were endangered species. A short-eared elephant shrew was born May 8 at the Zoo's Small Mammal House. The short-eared...

Asian elephants Kamala (39), Swarna (39) and Maharani (23) arrived safely at the Smithsonian's National Zoo at 10:55 a.m. They are on loan from the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and will join the Zoo's herd of four Asian elephants Ambika (66), Shanthi (39), Bozie (38) and Kandula (12)...

This update was written by animal keeper Erin Stromberg. Kyle and Batang—our 17-year-old Bornean orangutans—came to the Smithsonian's National Zoo several years ago. At that time, they were too young to breed; but we hoped that we would receive a breeding recommendation when they came of age. We are...

When did the elephants leave the Calgary Zoo? Tuesday May 20, 2014 at 2:30p.m. How do you move an elephant? Custom-made, 10,000-pound elephant-sized travel crates will keep the females contained and safe while on the move. Calgary Zoo keepers worked slowly and diligently to ensure that the elephants...

We've received many questions from our many curious panda fans! In this panda update, keeper Nicole MacCorkle answers questions we have received. What is in the paper bags that you give the pandas? Keepers put enrichment items in brown paper bags for the pandas. The bears rip open the bags and find...

As part of the Worldwide InstaMeet and the National Zoo's ongoing 125th anniversary celebration, the Zoo invites Instagrammers from across the Washington, D.C., region to help create a digital “weekend in the life of the Zoo” portrait all day Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18. Instagrammers...

The #EndangeredSong campaign continued this evening at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with a free stripped-down concert by Portugal. The Man. It was the first time the band had performed the #EndangeredSong, titled "Sumatran Tiger," for a live audience. The song will become part of their set list...

Four African lion cubs took a brisk paddle today and passed their swim reliability test. The cubs—three males and one female—were born at the Zoo March 2. All cubs born at the Great Cats exhibit must undergo the swim reliability test and prove that they are ready to be on exhibit. All four cats were...

WHAT: Portgual. The Man will perform a free stripped down concert at the Smithsonian's National Zoo as part of the #EndangeredSong campaign. WHEN: Monday, May 12 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. (Please note: The band goes on promptly at 6:30 p.m. Media may arrive at 5:30 p.m.) WHERE: Band Shell at Lion/Tiger...

Four African lion cubs took a brisk paddle at the Smithsonian's National Zoo today and passed their swim reliability test. The cubs--three males and one female--were born at the Zoo March 2. All cubs born at the Great Cats exhibit must undergo the swim reliability test and prove that they are ready...

Four month-old sloth bear cub, Remi, ventured outside for the very first time this morning with her surrogate bear moms and dad! She quickly began exploring her outdoor yard with keepers nearby. They were happy to report that she did very well during her first trip outside, climbing and playing, but...