News

They’re spunky, opinionated and enjoy splashing in a cool pool on a hot summer day. Who are these playful pachyderms? Our Asian elephants, Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh! Get to know their personalities and quirks from Elephant Trails keepers Rebecca Riley and Ashley Fortner.

New research shows limitations to recovery without consistent conservation efforts.

Our 2-month-old western lowland gorilla infant, Zahra, is very curious about the world around her. Get the latest #GorillaStory update from primate keeper Carolina Powell.

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.

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 hatchlings!

There's a new species at the Bird House! Animal keeper Stacy Hill gives us the rundown on the clapper rail.

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 breed! Learn more from curator Michael Brown-Palsgrove.

From scorching deserts to freezing oceans, birds have developed incredible methods for regulating their body temperatures.

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.

Scientists identify best practices for reintroduction of endangered and extinct amphibians in a new publication.

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.

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.

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.

6-week-old baby gorilla Zahra is becoming more curious about the world beyond her mother's protective arms, writes primate keeper Lynne McMahan.

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 team to closely monitor their health.

Viewers of the black-footed ferret cam, take note: these tiny endangered babies have just passed one month old!

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.

From sweet snuggles to sassy vocalization and snatching snacks, it’s been a busy June for our growing meerkat pups!

Catch up on the latest news about the Zoo's 7-month-old Andean bear cubs, Ian and Sean.

A new #GorillaStory has begun! Get the latest update on our 4-week-old western lowland gorilla, Zahra, from primate keeper Valerie Schultz.

Curator of horticulture Teresa Vetick gives her top tips to build your own pollinator-friendly garden.

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 25,000 votes, the baby western lowland gorilla is named Zahra [ZAH-rah], which means “beautiful flower” in Swahili.

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!

Our newest member of the wallaby mob at the Small Mammal House has been named! Meet Winton in this keeper Q&A.