News

Zoo teams transformed the yards outside the Bird House into a thriving, wildflower-filled garden. Find out how they did it.

Snake species have adapted to climb trees, leap across hot sand, and even swim through water — all without arms or legs. How do they do it?

At the Zoo's Little Critters: Nature Play area, young children and their caregivers can have fun with free, nature-based play activities.

Some birds listen in on prairie dog alarm calls to learn when predators are close, according to a new study from our grassland science team.

Carnivore keepers at NZCBI's Front Royal, Virginia, campus welcomed a litter of endangered black-footed ferrets May 28.

Sea lions are noisy — but how many sounds can they make? Quench your curiosity in this virtual keeper talk with American Trail keeper Sydney Lenz!

The tiny ducklings are currently living behind the scenes at the Bird House.

Fuzz fans, rejoice! Two new alpacas have made their debut at our Kids’ Farm exhibit.

Want to tell the western lowland gorillas apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the troop.

Bleats and chirps between two giant pandas are a sure sign that flirtatious feelings are in the air! Read all about the bears and the bleats in our latest #DCPandas update.

This peculiar-looking canine uses its exceptional hearing to hunt for termites and beetles — here are some more fun facts about the species.

NZCBI and the Royal Commission for AlUla announced an agreement May 13 involving the international conservation and loan of Arabian leopards from Saudi Arabia.

One year after a translocation project brought the Guam kingfisher, or sihek, to a remote Pacific island, Zoo scientists say the iconic species is showing signs of recovery.

We are very sad to share that Basil — a rescued Virginia opossum who was favorite of many Small Mammal House visitors — died May 1.

This Amphibian Week, take a closer look at what makes these species so wonderfully weird and worthy of our attention.

Prairie dogs play a critical role across the North American Great Plains, and researchers are learning every day just how much these industrious squirrels do for their neighbors.

A 4-year-old Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko recently underwent treatment for skin cancer at the Zoo's veterinary hospital.

For National Volunteer Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the people who put their time, heart, and energy towards helping the Zoo thrive.

This letter was sent to the Zoo Neighborhood Council April 8, 2025.

There’s a lot to discover about these energetic little predators — here are some fun facts about the species.

Smithsonian ecologist Claire Bresnan encourages aspiring scientists to take a chance on themselves, and not succumb to "gloom and doom" in her Focus on the Future feature.

It's a question visitors ask staff all the time at the Zoo's Bird House. The answer may surprise you!

Tracking data revealed three groups of long-billed curlew, each with unique migration patterns and conservation needs.

The Zoo's pair of red wolves, Kiawah and Redford, are experts at staying out of sight. Here are some tips to help you find them in their habitat.

Want to tell the Asian elephants apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the herd.