News

Displaying 151 - 175 of 2425

Photo of a long-billed curlew in flight. The medium sized brown bird carries a small tracking tag on its back.
March 13, 2025

Discovery of Hidden Groups Within Migratory Shorebird Could Aid Conservation ›

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

A red wolf in a shady forest zoo habitat.
March 12, 2025

Ask a Keeper: Where Are the Red Wolves Hiding? ›

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.

Three elephants in an exhibit yard.
March 07, 2025

Get to Know the Herd of Asian Elephants Living at the Zoo ›

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

A mother and baby maned wolf in a snowy outdoor habitat area.
February 14, 2025

Maned Wolf Program at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Celebrates Birth of Three Pups ›

Exciting news! A trio of maned wolf pups were born this winter at the Zoo's private conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

A male Andean bear in his rocky habitat.
February 10, 2025

How Are Animal Matches Made at the Zoo? ›

Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.

A binturong with a low, muscular body, shaggy fur, whiskers, and tufted eyebrows stands on a log
February 08, 2025

How to Train a Binturong for Laser Therapy ›

How do you help a binturong with arthritis? Learn how our animal care team trained Hank to voluntarily participate in his own healthcare.

Komodo Dragon
February 05, 2025

Elderly Komodo Dragon Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.

A black-tailed prairie dog stands on its hind legs in short grasses on the plains of Montana
February 05, 2025

How to Protect and Restore Grasslands ›

Journey to Montana with Smithsonian scientists and Tribal communities as they protect and preserve American grasslands.

Photo of Gunther, an adult male gray seal. Gunther is beside a shallow body of water, looking at the viewer.
February 03, 2025

Elderly Gray Seal Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Gunther, a 33-year-old male gray seal who died Jan. 18.

Photo of a wild black-footed ferret standing attentively at the mouth of a burrow.
January 28, 2025

Innovative Technology Aims to Boost Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Efforts ›

Tiny tracking devices are being used by researchers to monitor the behavior and movements of black-footed ferrets that were reintroduced into the wild.

Giant panda Qing Bao in her habitat at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
January 24, 2025

Two New Giant Pandas Debut at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today.

Webform Quiz Image
January 24, 2025

QUIZ: Can You Identify the Wildlife in Asia’s Mountain Forests? ›

Camera traps are a valuable tool for wildlife researchers. Can you identify the animals from photos taken in Asia's mountain forests?

Tiger poses with his tail out in the Great Cats exhibit.
January 23, 2025

Meet Vostok, the Zoo's New Amur Tiger ›

Vostok is a new face at the Zoo's Great Cats exhibit. Explore how animal care staff helped him adjust to his new home.

Bornean orangutan Kyle climbs a web made of recycled fire hose in the Great Ape House’s outdoor habitat. Photo credit: Connor Mallon, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
January 22, 2025

Bornean Orangutan Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

Primate staff are mourning the loss of Kyle, a 28-year-old male Bornean orangutan who died Jan. 10.

Bao Li hangs out in a tree.
January 14, 2025

How Can You Tell the Giant Pandas Apart? ›

The Zoo's two giant pandas look quite similar to the untrained eye. Panda keeper Mariel Lally offers some tips you can use to spot the difference!

A giant panda looks into the camera while exploring his new indoor habitat area.
January 10, 2025

Giant Pandas Will Make Their Public Debut Jan. 24 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

On Jan. 24, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Giant panda Bao Li romps through the snow
January 08, 2025

See How the Pandas (And Other Animals) Enjoyed a Chilly Snow Day ›

Several inches of snowfall kept the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute closed to visitors, but the animals and their caretakers still had a good time!

The entrance gate at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
December 20, 2024

Status of Smithsonian Museums and Zoo During a Government Shutdown ›

In the event of a government shutdown, our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Thursday, Dec. 26. Please note that we are closed on Dec. 25.

A gloved animal care staffer holds two baby black-footed ferrets
December 18, 2024

Read Some of the Most Exciting Stories From the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in 2024 ›

Celebrate and look back at some of the groundbreaking achievements made by Smithsonian scientists this year.

A one-month-old pygmy slow loris baby crawls along a branch in the Small Mammal House.
December 18, 2024

Read Some of the Zoo’s Most Amazing Animal Stories of 2024 ›

This year was filled with incredible and heartwarming stories about the animals and the people who care for them. Enjoy a look back at some of the amazing things that happened this year.

A panda leans back and munches on bamboo on a carpet of orange-hued leaves.
December 10, 2024

To Keep the National Zoo’s Pandas Satisfied, Staff Prepare an Endless Supply of Bamboo ›

Take a look behind the scenes as animal care teams provide an endless bamboo buffet to the Zoo's new giant pandas.

An eastern red-backed salamander with a red back stripe and big shiny eyes.
November 22, 2024

Meet the Eastern Red-Backed Salamander, A Tiny Environmental Hero ›

Next time you’re walking through fallen leaves in a forest, keep an eye out for the Eastern red-backed salamander—a small woodland creature with a huge role to play.

A playful panda flops over a wooden climbing structure, with half of his body hanging on each side.
November 15, 2024

Giant Panda Video and Photo Gallery ›

The Zoo is home to two world-famous pandas who are symbols of conservation. View and download a gallery of Qing Bao and Bao Li images and video files.

Surrounded by leafy green bamboo, a female giant panda faces the camera in her indoor habitat.
November 06, 2024

How Keepers at Smithsonian's National Zoo Help Giant Pandas Feel at Home ›

A few weeks after their arrival, staff are helping giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao settle into their new home at Asia Trail.

Asian elephant Kamala often raised her trunk to greet keepers in anticipation of receiving food. Credit: Robbie Clark
November 02, 2024

Elderly Female Asian Elephant Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute community is mourning the loss of Kamala, beloved member of its Asian elephant herd and ambassador for her species.