News Archive

Beginning today, June 24, the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat will be closed to keep a quiet area around female giant panda Mei Xiang’s den.

Primate keeper Melba Brown says 9-week-old western lowland gorilla infant Moke is taking in all of the sights, sounds and scents around him.

The panda team has started seeing more pronounced behavioral changes in Mei Xiang, which is normal and expected for a pregnant or pseudopregnant giant panda. Overall, she is spending more time sleeping and is less responsive to the keepers.

Smithsonian Bird Friendly® coffee was the big winner at a recent online charity auction.

Today, Moke turns two months old! He is just as curious as ever, but now he is becoming bolder and more interested in those around him.

In the past two weeks, our western lowland gorilla infant, Moke, has sprouted two new teeth! When he was five weeks old, the primate team observed two lower incisors break through his gums. Now, at 7 weeks old, he has two new upper incisors!

In honor of the Washington, D.C. Capitals making the NHL finals, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's giant panda Tian Tian was given a special treat of a bamboo hockey stick, ice puck and a fruitsicle star!

At six weeks old, western lowland gorilla Moke is already showing interest in exploring his surroundings. Despite his adventurous spirit, mom Calaya continues to hold her infant close.

It’s been almost three months since Mei Xiang was artificially inseminated. Keepers, veterinarians and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists have been monitoring her carefully ever since.

Maned wolves in the North American population have their own matchmaker. Nucharin Songsasen is a biologist at SCBI and Species Survival Plan coordinator. It's her job to decide which animals to breed based on their genetics, personality and health, among other traits.

While most people flock to the Delaware shores for some rest and relaxation, migratory birds have an entirely different mindset during their visit: refuel. The Delaware Bay is a key stopover site for red knots, sanderlings, ruddy turnstones and other birds who pause their marvelous migrations to...

Learn all about studying elephant personalities in this Q&A with Shifra Goldenberg, a research associate with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Conservation Ecology Center.

When animal keepers introduced Andean bears Billie Jean and Quito earlier this spring, it seemed that love was in the air. Or, was it hormones? To discover how hormones can affect a bear’s behavior during breeding season, keeper Sara Colandrea has teamed up with Smithsonian Conservation Biology...

A female Guam kingfisher, one of the planet's most endangered bird species, hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute on May 17.

At 5 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke continues to thrive, and keepers are beginning to see how his personality is developing. He is very curious and wiggly!

The hare may be quicker than the turtle, but does it actually move more? Smithsonian researchers are tracking wood turtles to better understand how they navigate their environment.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is dedicated to saving species. Every day, its scientists and partners undertake important conservation efforts to protect species and their habitats.

Western lowland gorilla infant Moke turned one month old on Tuesday! He continues to do well and remains bright and alert.

On May 6, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomed thousands of visitors to celebrate community and diversity in recognition of International Family Equality Day.

Just in time for her public debut, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s female Holstein calf has a name: Magnolia.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is inviting the public to name the newest member of the Kids’ Farm herd—an 8-month-old female Holstein calf. Starting today, May 11, fans can vote on the Zoo’s website for their favorite among three floral names: Magnolia, Hyacinth...