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Animal News
Mar. 15, 2023
Zoo Director's Remarks From the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall Event (March 15, 2023)
Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, delivered these remarks at the Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall event on March 15,...
Mar. 09, 2023
As each of Amani's cub’s personality begins to shine through, it’s the perfect time to debut their names. Plus, the cubs have some new neighbors, who are familiar faces to our cheetah fans!
Mar. 03, 2023
Flutter into how animal keeper Becca Zurlo cares for the iconic wood thrush—the official bird of Washington, D.C.—in the newly renovated Bird House!
Mar. 01, 2023
Xiao QI Ji is stepping out on his own! Our 2.5-year-old giant panda has been playing, eating and sleeping by himself lately—behaviors that indicate he’s ready for independence.
Mar. 01, 2023
Just before the Andean bear cubs turned three months old, it was time for their beary first veterinary exam. Read on to find out how the exam went from animal keeper Sara Colandrea.
Mar. 01, 2023
If you haven’t yet heard—or perhaps a little bird told you already—the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Bird House exhibit has once again opened its doors to the public...
Feb. 22, 2023
On March 13, the newly renovated Bird House’s doors will flap open, welcoming guests with a chorus of chirps, tweets and quacks. Yes, quacks! Get to know the 11 lucky duck species in the Bird House...
Feb. 22, 2023
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute invites visitors to soar into its renovated Bird House, opening Monday, March 13.
Feb. 07, 2023
Our 4-month-old cheetah cubs have had a busy couple of weeks! They played on new furniture in their yard, got a taste of a new treat, and had their last cub veterinary exam. Read on for a playful...
Feb. 06, 2023
Eating chocolate is now better for birds, humans and the planet. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has expanded its Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification program to...
Feb. 03, 2023
A brave and curious gray seal pup is making a splash on American Trail! Two-year-old female Jo-Jo was rescued from the wild and made her debut at the Zoo in January. Get to know her in this Q+A with...
Feb. 02, 2023
Tune in to the ele-FUN! Watch our 9-year-old Asian elephant, Nhi Linh, play with a weeble-wobble enrichment toy.
Jan. 26, 2023
The winter winds may blow chilly and cold, but they also bring out the sillies in our giant panda cub. The frisky 2.5-year-old tumbled around his outdoor habitat and showed off his unique somersault...
Jan. 25, 2023
Watch out! Our 2-month-old Andean bear cubs are on the move. Read on for the full update and to watch a clip of the cubs practicing walking.
Jan. 17, 2023
It may be cold outside, but these bear-y cute snuggles from our Andean Bear Cub Cam are sure to warm you up!
Jan. 17, 2023
Amani and her 3-month-old cubs are entering the new year with new experiences and a clean bill of health. Read on for the full update from the keepers!
Jan. 13, 2023
The new gal in town is inquisitive, a foodie and has a knack for shredding paper. Meet Acadia, a 2-year-old female bald eagle in this Q+A with American trail keepers Ashley Graham and Sam Milne!
Jan. 11, 2023
A reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton entry pass inquiry.
Jan. 06, 2023
Meet the four clouded leopards who call the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute home. Pounce from Washington D.C. with Asia Trail keepers Kaitlyn Adkins and Jenny Spotten, to...
Jan. 06, 2023
Let’s get ready to rumble, trumpet and stomp! Ever since Asian elephants Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh made their debut at the Elephant Trails habitat, they have been busy building relationships with their...
Jan. 06, 2023
Their hobbies include eating, snuggling and snoozing. Follow your nose to the Small Mammal House and meet our new striped skunk brothers, Pigpen and Sauerkraut!
Jan. 05, 2023
Our six-week-old Andean bear cubs’ eyes have opened! While their favorite spot continues to be curled up with mother Brienne, she has also started carrying them out of the den.
Dec. 22, 2022
A 10-year-old male Cuban crocodile at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) has died.
Dec. 20, 2022
Recently, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji has been exploring his new habitat with his mother, Mei Xiang, by his side. Get the latest update from keeper Mariel Lally.
Dec. 14, 2022
It’s been a jolly time for Amani and her two cubs over the last couple weeks! The family received some new enrichment and the cubs had their 9-week exam. Read on for the full Cheetah Cubdate from...