News Archive

For National Volunteer Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the people who put their time, heart, and energy towards helping the Zoo thrive.

This letter was sent to the Zoo Neighborhood Council April 8, 2025.

There’s a lot to discover about these energetic little predators — here are some fun facts about the species.

Smithsonian ecologist Claire Bresnan encourages aspiring scientists to take a chance on themselves, and not succumb to "gloom and doom" in her Focus on the Future feature.

It's a question visitors ask staff all the time at the Zoo's Bird House. The answer may surprise you!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.