News

The Zoo's 11-day-old Asian elephant calf received her name today: Linh Mai, Vietnamese for "spirit blossom."

Over the past 10 days, the elephant team has been working around the clock to care for the calf and build positive relationships among the herd.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Royal Commission for AlUla are launching the next phase of a global partnership to protect and restore the critically endangered Arabian leopard.

Can sound save species? Scientist Brian Gratwicke recounts how cutting-edge recording tools helped researchers rediscover missing frog populations in Panama.

The sloth bears born Dec. 7 are growing bigger and cuter by the day! Get to know their names—plus which one is feisty and which one is serious.

Learn how keepers are connecting with the cheetah cubs at our science campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

For the first time in nearly 25 years, elephant care staff are celebrating the birth of an Asian elephant—an endangered species. 

Tracing the story of how a shy forest-dwelling snake became a powerful emblem of American resilience and self-reliance.

While the Zoo was closed, staff members captured some rare scenes of the animals experiencing the falling snow.

Scientists couldn't find the endangered black-footed ferrets they'd reintroduced. To protect them, they'd have to find out where the animals were going, and what was happening to them.

This cotton-candy-pink bird may look strange, but it's an animal with a fascinating story.

One warm August morning, Reptile Discovery Center keepers’ day began with a “turtly” awesome surprise—a painted river terrapin hatchling. It's the first time this critically endangered species has successfully bred here.

For the first time since 2013, keepers at the Zoo have welcomed two sloth bear cubs.

Redd’s daily treatment reveals how human medical technology is commonly adapted by zoos to help orangutans breathe easier.

Take a look at some bite-sized stories about our science programs this year.

We’ve gift-wrapped a few short highlights that capture the spirit of the year in animal care.

Get an inside look at how our animal care teams conduct a regular checkup on four tiny cheetah cubs.

Two animal care staff sustained injuries following an interaction with binturong Lola.

Fences are creating serious problems for wildebeest herds, says a Smithsonian ecologist studying megafauna migrations in Africa.

Looking for a unique way to make a difference next year? Consider joining the Zoo family!

This blog from a Smithsonian intern highlights the joys of classroom pets, and outlines the steps necessary to keep students and animals safe.

Find comprehensive resources for media on the Asian elephant program at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

For the first time in nearly 25 years, animal care staff are preparing for the highly anticipated birth of an Asian elephant calf.

On hot days, humans rely on air conditioning, pools and fans to cool us down. Grasshoppers came up with their own clever trick for beating the heat: climbing.

Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season.