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Animal News
Aug. 09, 2023
Even lions have to go to the doctor! Luckily for our lioness Shera, that just involves a short ride to our on-site veterinary hospital in a new, state-of-the art veterinary ambulance.
Aug. 04, 2023
An unseasonably strong storm in fall 2022 stirred up some romance between two Panamanian golden frogs. Now, Reptile Discovery Center keepers are caring for more than 400 of the couple’s golden-hued...
Aug. 04, 2023
There's a new species at the Bird House! Animal keeper Stacy Hill gives us the rundown on the clapper rail.
Jul. 31, 2023
Why is giant panda Mei Xiang sleeping for longer periods, eating less and denning? After going into estrus this spring, months later, she's experiencing a pseudopregnancy—even though she did not...
Jul. 28, 2023
From scorching deserts to freezing oceans, birds have developed incredible methods for regulating their body temperatures.
Jul. 28, 2023
In this Focus on the Future, learn how Juliana Vélez Gómez created wildlife friendly practices that benefited Colombian ranchers, while providing new opportunities for young women in science.
Jul. 26, 2023
Scientists identify best practices for reintroduction of endangered and extinct amphibians in a new publication.
Jul. 22, 2023
Giant Panda Celebrates Birthday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., celebrated giant panda Mei Xiang’s 25th birthday.
Jul. 17, 2023
Whether you’re a human or a giant panda, nothing beats a frozen treat on a hot summer day! Learn how to eat like a panda with this refreshing recipe.
Jul. 16, 2023
In honor of National Zookeeper Week, we're recognizing some of the dedicated professionals who go above and beyond for the animals in our care.
Jul. 14, 2023
6-week-old baby gorilla Zahra is becoming more curious about the world beyond her mother's protective arms, writes primate keeper Lynne McMahan.
Jul. 12, 2023
Meet our moo-velous cattle: Holstein Magnolia (a.k.a. Maggie) and Hereford Willow! These charming cows are also incredibly intelligent—they have learned medical behaviors that enable our animal care...
Jul. 05, 2023
Viewers of the black-footed ferret cam, take note: these tiny endangered babies have just passed one month old!
Jun. 30, 2023
Focus on the Future is a series that seeks to highlight the early career scientists who conduct research at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Jun. 30, 2023
From sweet snuggles to sassy vocalization and snatching snacks, it’s been a busy June for our growing meerkat pups!
Jun. 23, 2023
Catch up on the latest news about the Zoo's 7-month-old Andean bear cubs, Ian and Sean.
Jun. 23, 2023
A new #GorillaStory has begun! Get the latest update on our 4-week-old western lowland gorilla, Zahra, from primate keeper Valerie Schultz.
Jun. 21, 2023
Curator of horticulture Teresa Vetick gives her top tips to build your own pollinator-friendly garden.
Jun. 15, 2023
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is mourning the loss of a 2-year-old female addax named Terri who died June 12.
![After five days of public voting and just under 24,000 votes, the baby western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is named Zahra [ZAH-rah], which means “beautiful flower” in Swahili.](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/newsroom/20230607-beckymalinsky-001-gorilla-calaya-baby.jpg?itok=8pS0NULl "After five days of public voting and just over 25,000 votes, the baby western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is named Zahra [ZAH-rah], which means “beautiful flower” in Swahili.")
Jun. 09, 2023
After five days of public voting and just under 25,000 votes, the baby western lowland gorilla is named Zahra [ZAH-rah], which means “beautiful flower” in Swahili.
Jun. 07, 2023
The beaver is one of North America's greatest ecosystem engineers and conservation success stories, and we are thrilled to welcome a second beaver to the American Trail!
Jun. 07, 2023
Our newest member of the wallaby mob at the Small Mammal House has been named! Meet Winton in this keeper Q&A.
Jun. 07, 2023
Over the past few months, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomed some adorable new members to the Zoo family.
Say hello to our newest (and cutest) baby animals!
Jun. 06, 2023
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)’s Global Health Program and partners including the International Livestock Research Institute, Government of Kenya Zoonotic...
Jun. 05, 2023
Starting today, June 5, western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.