Zoo News Archive
Jan. 16, 2020
David E. Wildt, renowned scientist and conservationist died at his home on January 15, 2020.
Jan. 15, 2020
Although we are on the other side of the world, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, is committed to protecting species and their habitats, and supporting our fellow...
Jan. 14, 2020
Mei Xiang and Tian Tian have been having some adventures around the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat!
Jan. 13, 2020
Walking through the forests of Guam the sound is arresting, because it’s silent. But the loud whistle of the Guam rail is returning to the forests of nearby islands, nearly 40 years after the bird...
Jan. 06, 2020
As the Smithsonian’s National Zoo rang in the new year, the elephant team celebrated another revolution around the sun for (now) 45-year-old female Asian elephant, Shanthi.
Jan. 03, 2020
An update from Andean bear keeper Sara Colandrea on the latest happenings with Billie Jean and Quito.
Jan. 03, 2020
Swing into the new year with an animal that knows a thing or two about swinging: gibbons! Get to know Sydney, Ronnie and Bradley from primate keeper Carly Hornberger.
Jan. 03, 2020
What’s that rustle in the trees behind Reptile Discovery Center? Look up, or you may miss the Zoo’s stealthy male crocodile monitor hiding among the branches. Get the scoop on this cool cold-blooded...
Dec. 26, 2019
As 2019 comes to a close, we’re continuing to reflect on some of this year’s biggest conservation success stories.
Dec. 26, 2019
As the year winds down, we’re reflecting on some of our biggest conservation success stories of 2019.
Dec. 26, 2019
In October, Global Health Program veterinary fellows participated in the annual Laikipia Rabies Vaccination Campaign in Laikipia County, Kenya, which aims to eradicate (or completely eliminate) the...
Dec. 23, 2019
The Small Mammal House has a new resident worth slowing down for: Athena, a 1½-year-old female two-toed sloth.
Dec. 20, 2019
As a research assistant for the nutrition laboratory, I wear a snowsuit year-round. That’s because I spend a lot of time in a -20 degree Fahrenheit walk-in freezer located in the Zoo’s science...
Dec. 20, 2019
Are you a milk maven? Play "Guess That Milk" and try to match these milk samples with the animals they came from.
Dec. 06, 2019
An update on Asian elephant Shanthi's osteoarthritis.
Dec. 06, 2019
On Oct. 15, the Zoo welcomed a bouncing baby to its lesser kudu family! This past week, he joined his mom and brother on exhibit for the first time.
Dec. 06, 2019
Meet Fleck and Poe, a pair of emperor tamarin brothers who recently made their debut in Amazonia’s rainforest habitat! Get to know these mischievous monkeys from animal keeper Denny Charlton.
Dec. 04, 2019
Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have preserved complex ovarian tissues in domestic cats above freezing temperatures by dehydrating them with the help of microwaves.
Nov. 27, 2019
Bei Bei is settling in at his new home in China at the Bifengxia panda base. He did very well on the FedEx Panda Express and spent most of the 16-hour trip eating and sleeping.
Nov. 22, 2019
Flip the switch event to officially open ZooLights, powered by Pepco, the annual free lights festival at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Nov. 21, 2019
From Dec. 1-8, Friends of the National Zoo members get extra perks during Member Week at ZooLights, powered by Pepco.
Nov. 19, 2019
Bei Bei the 4-year-old giant panda, began his journey to China on Nov. 19, 2019.
Nov. 18, 2019
ZooLights—powered by Pepco—is bigger, brighter and better than ever this season. Visitors can join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in celebrating the holidays with its annual free lights festival. The...
Nov. 16, 2019
“Bye Bye, Bei Bei” (BAY-BAY,) a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he departs for China.
Nov. 08, 2019
Giant panda Bei Bei knows how to work his angles! Check out some of our favorite snaps of this remarkably photogenic bear from the past four years.