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Animal News

Dec. 27, 2018
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is dedicated to saving species. Every year, its team of conservationists here and around the globe works hard to make that mission a...
A young dama gazelle with short horns, long ears that stick out and a slender body
Dec. 27, 2018
Smithsonian’s National Zoo staff humanely euthanized Asha, a 1-year-old Dama gazelle, Dec. 22 after she suffered a neck injury by running into a fence in an off-exhibit area.
A wild giant panda at Guanyinshan Nature Reserve in China
Dec. 21, 2018
If you plant it, they will come. A collaborative research team including scientists from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Guanyinshan Nature Reserve and Tsinghua University has...
Dec. 21, 2018
What connection do birds have to global health? That’s the question I asked myself after being assigned to an internship with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
A close-up photo of a green darner dragonfly in flight. It has large eyes, a long tail and a short, round body.
Dec. 19, 2018
A new paper describes a dragonfly’s full life cycle for the first time. Insects are a critical driver of food webs, so figuring out why their populations are falling dramatically is important for the...
Two whooping cranes (large birds with long, thin legs, long necks, and pointed bills) explore their new habitat at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia
Dec. 18, 2018
Twelve whooping cranes, one of the most endangered species of crane in the world, moved to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, Dec. 16. The six mated-pairs will...
Naked mole-rat pups
Dec. 17, 2018
After months of anticipation, the naked mole-rat colony at the Small Mammal House at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo finally has a queen—the only breeding female in a colony. 
Dec. 14, 2018
Western lowland gorilla infant Moke is making noise—with enrichment! 
A large elkhorn coral underwater on a sunny day in Curacao
Dec. 12, 2018
Smithsonian scientists and partners in Florida and Curaçao have become the first to use cryopreserved (frozen) coral sperm to support gene migration of coral populations that would otherwise remain...
Red panda Henry at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Dec. 12, 2018
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) are mourning the loss of Henry, a 4-year-old male red panda, who died overnight Dec. 5.
Bei Bei in the snow
Nov. 30, 2018
The New Year will bring in some new changes to the panda house. Beginning Dec. 5, the panda house at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat may occasionally close during weekday mornings...
Nov. 30, 2018
Did you know that red pandas have a unique way of picking up scents left by other red pandas? Get the scoop from Asia Trail keeper Mariel Lally. 
A red-eyed tree frog resting vertically against a tree branch. Its eyes are open, and its legs are tucked under its body
Nov. 30, 2018
Hop on down to the Reptile Discovery Center to see the Zoo’s newest—and most colorful—creatures: red-eyed tree frogs! Get the scoop on the Zoo’s amazing amphibians from assistant curator Matt Evans.
Nov. 30, 2018
The secret to salamanders’ survival may be in their slimy secretions. Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute are swabbing salamanders in Shenandoah, looking for disease-fighting...
Blue grey tanager
Nov. 30, 2018
As part of the Bird-Friendly Coffee initiative, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center ecologist Robert Rice and partners are gearing up to find out which trees in shade coffee farms supply the most food ...
Western lowland gorilla infant Moke chews on a Nyla bone
Nov. 30, 2018
Our 7-month-old western lowland gorilla Moke received his flu shot this month! Get the latest news on him in our keeper update. 
Nov. 16, 2018
Three-year-old giant panda played and tumbled in the snow Thursday, Nov. 15. 
Gorillas Baraka and 7-month-old Moke.
Nov. 16, 2018
What has 7-month-old western lowland gorilla Moke been up to? Read all about it in the latest keeper update! 
Photo courtesy of Noctiluna Kidswear.
Nov. 09, 2018
Smithsonian’s National Zoo visitors will have the opportunity to find gifts for family and friends at GRUMP, a European-style...
The main entrance to ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, featuring trees wrapped in holiday lights, light-up pandas and a lit sign that says "ZooLights"
Nov. 08, 2018
ZooLights, powered by Pepco, is bigger and brighter than ever this season! Celebrate the holidays at this annual free lights festival at the Zoo.
Eld's deer fawn
Nov. 07, 2018
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a new fawn to its herd of endangered Eld’s deer Oct. 26.
Adopt a Species
Nov. 05, 2018
Big improvements to Adopt a Species packages are here, and don't miss two brand-new animals: the sloth and the Komodo dragon! Get the perfect gift for the conservationist in your life today.
Nov. 02, 2018
What sounds does an infant orangutan make? Primate keeper Erin Stromberg filmed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s 2-year-old Bornean orangutan Redd as he pleaded with his mother to share her food. Get...
Nov. 02, 2018
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers are celebrating a dama gazelle baby boom! Two young calves, Gustav and Amaya, recently made their debut. Learn all about the newest members of our herd from...
Nov. 02, 2018
Read the latest update on six-month-old western lowland gorilla infant Moke.