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Animal News

Camera trap photo of a swift fox pup walking through a grassy field.
Nov. 22, 2023
Does an animal's personality play a role on whether it will survive in the wild? Researchers are using a surprising clue to find out: poop.
Closeup on the faces of two of the Zoo's domestic turkeys.
Nov. 20, 2023
This holiday season, the Zoo invites you to give thanks to a beloved American icon—but not at the dining room table. Learn about how Bird House keeper Jen Ferraro helps care for the Zoo's resident...
Nov. 17, 2023
In a little over a week, our western lowland gorilla infant, Zahra, will be six months old! Overall, she is doing great and has recently started going on many little adventures.
Andean bear Brienne cradles her two cubs in a nest.
Nov. 15, 2023
Climbing trees, breaking branches and munching on mulberries — that’s a day in the life of our Andean bear brothers, Ian and Sean! Celebrate their first birthdays in this update from keeper Sara...
Vicki, a female sloth bear with shaggy fur and tufted ears, sniffs the air in her rocky outdoor habitat.
Nov. 14, 2023
She's spunky, engaging and loves eating bugs. Get to know this 10-year-old female sloth bear, the newest resident of the Zoo’s Asia Trail.
Assistant curator Laurie Thompson, keeper Mariel Lally and veterinarian James Steeil in the FedEx plane in front of giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji.
Nov. 09, 2023
Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji have landed safely in China. 
Nov. 8, 2023: Giant panda Mei Xiang departs the Zoo.
Nov. 08, 2023
Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji began their journey to China this morning. 
One of Echo's cubs is held by gloved animal care experts.
Nov. 06, 2023
Our newest litter of cheetah cubs are busy exploring on their own... and they just got their first physical! Find out how it went in this update from carnivore biologist Adrienne Crosier.
Oct. 27, 2023
A lifelong goal to save animals led Smithsonian fellow Molly Corder to find ways to protect critically endangered black rhinos from extinction threats. She hopes to inspire more young...
Oct. 27, 2023
The public has voted and now the 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) Bird House have names! 
Golden-headed lion tamarin twins cling to father Coco's back.
Oct. 24, 2023
A study of primate diets led to microbiological discoveries and is now fueling "best practices" dietary decisions for primates at the Zoo.
Photo of a prairie dog eating a blade of grass against the backdrop of the American prairie.
Oct. 24, 2023
Specialized technologies offer a new perspective into the lives of endangered black-footed ferrets and their prairie dog prey.
Oct. 23, 2023
In a major conservation success, 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Bird House, and the Zoo is seeking the public’s help to name them. 
Oct. 23, 2023
In summer 2023, Bird House keepers celebrated the arrival of orchard oriole chicks—the first hatched in human care—and Baltimore oriole chicks. Curator Sara Hallager shares an update about the team's...
Baby gorilla Zahra looks into the camera.
Oct. 20, 2023
Our 5-month-old baby gorilla is experiencing her first autumn! Catch up with baby Zahra and her mother Calaya in this blog update from primate keeper Erin Stromberg.
Oct. 13, 2023
Happy National Veterinary Technician Week! At the Zoo, vet techs play a major role in keeping our animals healthy.  
Oct. 13, 2023
Seasons creepings! This Halloween, get to know some animals who don’t deserve to have such fearsome reputations... and some that you might not want to encounter alone on a moonlit night.
Oct. 12, 2023
Join us in wishing a very happy hatchday to our Komodo dragon, Murphy! Our calm, laid-back lizard recently turned 25 years old.
Closeup of a tiny cheetah cub looking into the camera. A keeper wearing blue gloves is supporting its body.
Oct. 06, 2023
What's life like for a 3-week-old cheetah cub? Read the latest about Echo's litter of five adorable cubs in our latest animal update.
People walk down Olmstead Walk at night with trees wrapped in various colored lights along the right and hedges wrapped in green lights on the left.
Oct. 06, 2023
Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Pedestrian entrance to the Smithsonian's National Zoo on Connecticut Ave.
Sep. 29, 2023
In the event of a government shutdown on Oct. 1, Smithsonian museums, research centers and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Oct. 7. 
Sep. 26, 2023
Find out what's next for Hickory's six kits, who were featured on the Black-footed Ferret Cam this summer.
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.