News Archive

With their big ears, wide eyes and furry paws, sand cats may look adorable… but they’re quite tough! Sand cats are the only members of the cat family that live exclusively in desert environments. Get to know these hardy felines in this Q&A.

Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Tian Tian’s 26th birthday with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake.

Roads can be a dangerous challenge for terrestrial and arboreal wildlife. One scientist is trying to change that.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) researchers have achieved a breakthrough in the fight to save the world’s coral reefs from climate change annihilation.

Meet four Kids’ Farm residents who are goat-ally cute and curious! One-year-old sisters Betty and Wilma—and 8-year-old sisters Fiesta and Fedora—are the Zoo’s resident Nigerian dwarf goats.

This morning, Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Xiao Qi Ji’s third birthday at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.

Our newest litter of black-footed ferrets is growing up fast. Find out what it takes to care for two-month-old black-footed ferrets in this Q&A with biologist Adrienne Crosier.

After a potentially deadly injury, one endangered wild horse got a new lease on life thanks to the Smithsonian's veterinary team.

Try not to get 'swamped' with these bite-sized facts about American alligators and their crocodilian cousins.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo will celebrate "miracle cub" Xiao Qi Ji's 3rd birthday on Monday, Aug. 21.

They’re spunky, opinionated and enjoy splashing in a cool pool on a hot summer day. Who are these playful pachyderms? Our Asian elephants, Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh! Get to know their personalities and quirks from Elephant Trails keepers Rebecca Riley and Ashley Fortner.

New research shows limitations to recovery without consistent conservation efforts.

Our 2-month-old western lowland gorilla infant, Zahra, is very curious about the world around her. Get the latest #GorillaStory update from primate keeper Carolina Powell.

Even lions have to go to the doctor! Luckily for our lioness Shera, that just involves a short ride to our on-site veterinary hospital in a new, state-of-the art veterinary ambulance.

An unseasonably strong storm in fall 2022 stirred up some romance between two Panamanian golden frogs. Now, Reptile Discovery Center keepers are caring for more than 400 of the couple’s golden-hued hatchlings!

There's a new species at the Bird House! Animal keeper Stacy Hill gives us the rundown on the clapper rail.

Why is giant panda Mei Xiang sleeping for longer periods, eating less and denning? After going into estrus this spring, months later, she's experiencing a pseudopregnancy—even though she did not breed! Learn more from curator Michael Brown-Palsgrove.

From scorching deserts to freezing oceans, birds have developed incredible methods for regulating their body temperatures.

In this Focus on the Future, learn how Juliana Vélez Gómez created wildlife friendly practices that benefited Colombian ranchers, while providing new opportunities for young women in science.

Scientists identify best practices for reintroduction of endangered and extinct amphibians in a new publication.

Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., celebrated giant panda Mei Xiang’s 25th birthday.

Whether you’re a human or a giant panda, nothing beats a frozen treat on a hot summer day! Learn how to eat like a panda with this refreshing recipe.

In honor of National Zookeeper Week, we're recognizing some of the dedicated professionals who go above and beyond for the animals in our care.

6-week-old baby gorilla Zahra is becoming more curious about the world beyond her mother's protective arms, writes primate keeper Lynne McMahan.

Meet our moo-velous cattle: Holstein Magnolia (a.k.a. Maggie) and Hereford Willow! These charming cows are also incredibly intelligent—they have learned medical behaviors that enable our animal care team to closely monitor their health.