News

Maned wolves in the North American population have their own matchmaker. Nucharin Songsasen is a biologist at SCBI and Species Survival Plan coordinator. It's her job to decide which animals to breed based on their genetics, personality and health, among other traits.

Learn all about studying elephant personalities in this Q&A with Shifra Goldenberg, a research associate with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Conservation Ecology Center.

While most people flock to the Delaware shores for some rest and relaxation, migratory birds have an entirely different mindset during their visit: refuel. The Delaware Bay is a key stopover site for red knots, sanderlings, ruddy turnstones and other birds who pause their marvelous migrations to...

When animal keepers introduced Andean bears Billie Jean and Quito earlier this spring, it seemed that love was in the air. Or, was it hormones? To discover how hormones can affect a bear’s behavior during breeding season, keeper Sara Colandrea has teamed up with Smithsonian Conservation Biology...

A female Guam kingfisher, one of the planet's most endangered bird species, hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute on May 17.

At 5 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke continues to thrive, and keepers are beginning to see how his personality is developing. He is very curious and wiggly!

The hare may be quicker than the turtle, but does it actually move more? Smithsonian researchers are tracking wood turtles to better understand how they navigate their environment.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is dedicated to saving species. Every day, its scientists and partners undertake important conservation efforts to protect species and their habitats.

Western lowland gorilla infant Moke turned one month old on Tuesday! He continues to do well and remains bright and alert.

On May 6, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomed thousands of visitors to celebrate community and diversity in recognition of International Family Equality Day.

Just in time for her public debut, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s female Holstein calf has a name: Magnolia.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is inviting the public to name the newest member of the Kids’ Farm herd—an 8-month-old female Holstein calf. Starting today, May 11, fans can vote on the Zoo’s website for their favorite among three floral names: Magnolia, Hyacinth...

In Texas, a team of Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center scientists is studying birds that travel through the Gulf of Mexico.

What is causing the disappearance of reticulated giraffes across the plains where they were once plentiful? Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists and partners are on the case.

Two-year-old coati sisters Quinn and Ivy are always on the move. Find out how their keeper trained them to sit still and voluntarily participate in their own care.

At almost 3 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke is growing quickly and is starting to take in his surroundings.

Discover the answers to some of the most-searched questions about these lightning-fast cats!

In March, a team of Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center scientists traveled to Texas to begin their annual study of birds that travel through the Gulf of Mexico.

Find out about events being held at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in May!

On April 27, 2018, Asian elephant Spike received a celebratory cake as he explored his new habitat in the Elephant Community Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Moke's on the move! The 12-day-old western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to do well.

Asian elephant Spike will receive a celebratory cake as he explores his new habitat in the Elephant Community Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Smithsonian scientists are part of an expanding global effort set to tackle what could be the most ambitious project in the history of biology—sequencing the DNA of all eukaryotic species on Earth, which includes all plants, animals, fungi and algae.

On Sunday, April 15, at 6:25 p.m., we welcomed our seventh western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!

Get the latest scoop on Asian elephant Spike from animal keeper Amanda Bobyack.