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Animal News

Western lowland gorilla Moke is six weeks old.
Jun. 01, 2018
At six weeks old, western lowland gorilla Moke is already showing interest in exploring his surroundings. Despite his adventurous spirit, mom Calaya continues to hold her infant close.
Giant panda Mei Xiang receives treats while participating in a voluntary ultrasound.
Jun. 01, 2018
It’s been almost three months since Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated. Keepers, veterinarians and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists have been monitoring her carefully ever...
Lori Smith bands a red knot at the Delaware Bay.
Jun. 01, 2018
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...
Andean bear Billie Jean
Jun. 01, 2018
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...
Western lowland gorilla infant Moke at 5 weeks old with a couple of teeth beginning to show
May. 25, 2018
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!
scimitar-horned oryx laying in grass
May. 18, 2018
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...
One month old western lowland gorilla Moke.
May. 18, 2018
Western lowland gorilla infant Moke turned one month old on Tuesday! He continues to do well and remains bright and alert.
Giant panda Bei Bei with a rainbow ice cake.
May. 16, 2018
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.
Animal keeper Kara Ingraham with a white-nosed coati at the Small Mammal House.
May. 04, 2018
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.
Western lowland gorilla Moke at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
May. 04, 2018
At almost 3 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke is growing quickly and is starting to take in his surroundings. 
A cheetah laying in the grass on a sunny day
May. 02, 2018
Discover the answers to some of the most-searched questions about these lightning-fast cats!
Calaya and Moke explore the Great Ape House outdoor yard.
Apr. 27, 2018
Moke's on the move! The 12-day-old western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to do well. 
Western lowland gorilla Moke.
Apr. 23, 2018
On Sunday, April 15, at 6:25 p.m., we welcomed our seventh western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!
Asian elephant Spike enjoys some browse in his yard.
Apr. 20, 2018
Get the latest scoop on Asian elephant Spike from animal keeper Amanda Bobyack.
Western lowland gorilla infant Moke rests on the chest of his mother Calaya
Apr. 17, 2018
On Sunday, April 15, western lowland gorilla Calaya gave birth! Calaya and her newborn son, Moke, are resting and bonding in the Great Ape House.
Apr. 16, 2018
For the first time in nine years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a male western lowland gorilla. 
fennec foxes
Apr. 12, 2018
Get the answers to some of the most-searched questions about the desert dwelling, big-eared fennec fox!
Western lowland gorilla Calaya in the yard.
Apr. 06, 2018
The Great Ape House is awaiting the arrival of its newest resident! Keepers have been watching western lowland gorilla Calaya’s sleep patterns, appetite and socialization, as any changes in her...
Sloth bear Niko on exhibit at Asia Trail.
Apr. 06, 2018
Get the scoop on the Zoo’s new 3-year-old sloth bear, Niko, from animal keeper Mindy Babitz.
Keeper Nikki Maticic conducts a training session with goat Mortimer.
Apr. 05, 2018
Painting with alpacas, training miniature donkeys and hosting hands-on animal encounters. It’s all in a day’s work for animal keepers Nikki Maticic and John Taylor! Follow their story for a behind-...
Western lowland gorilla Calaya participates in an ultrasound with animal keeper Melba Brown.
Mar. 30, 2018
As western lowland gorilla Calaya nears the end of her pregnancy, keepers at the Great Ape House are keeping a close watch on her, monitoring for any indication that she is in labor. Calaya is due to...
Asian elephant Spike in the Elephant Barn.
Mar. 29, 2018
This update was written by elephant keeper Kayleigh Sullivan.  It has been almost a week since Asian elephant Spike arrived at the Elephant Trails habitat. Since then, he has made himself right at...
Western lowland gorilla Calaya eating her vegetable diet.
Mar. 23, 2018
Primate keeper Melba Brown discusses nutrition for pregnant western lowland gorilla, Calaya, and the significant role of milk for her infant.
Mar. 23, 2018
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo community is celebrating the arrival of a 36-year-old male Asian elephant named Spike.
Gray Wolf
Mar. 22, 2018
Get the answers to your most internet-searched questions about gray wolves, such as "Why do gray wolves howl at the moon?" Hint: they don't!