SCBI Animals

The following species are located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. Please note that this facility is not open to the public.

About SCBI Animals

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s legacy of conservation work extends beyond the public Zoo in Washington, D.C., to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. SCBI scientists play a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists around the world. Since its founding in 1974, SCBI has celebrated many milestones, including endangered species births, reintroductions of animals to the wild and revolutionary scientific studies.

Scientists at SCBI study and breed more than 20 species, including some that were once extinct in the wild, such as black-footed ferrets and scimitar-horned oryx. Animals thrive in specialized barns and building complexes spread over more than 1,000 acres. The sprawling environment allows for unique studies that contribute to the survival of threatened, difficult-to-breed species with distinct needs, especially those requiring large areas, natural group sizes and minimal public disturbance.