News

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.

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!

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 Disease Unit and Turkana Basin Institute have been awarded a five-year, $4.98 million grant to study...

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.

Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia welcomed a litter of endangered black-footed ferrets last week. One-year-old female Hickory gave birth to six surviving kits May 27.

For the first time in five years, primate staff are celebrating the birth of a western lowland gorilla—a critically endangered species. It was born between midnight and 6:15 a.m. May 27 to mother Calaya and father Baraka.

For the first time in 16 years, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., is celebrating the birth of three meerkats.