Zoo News Archive
Apr. 27, 2018
Find out about events being held at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in May!
Apr. 27, 2018
On April 27, 2018, Asian elephant Spike received a celebratory cake as he explored his new habitat in the Elephant Community Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology...
Apr. 27, 2018
Moke's on the move! The 12-day-old western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to do well.
Apr. 24, 2018
Asian elephant Spike will receive a celebratory cake as he explores his new habitat in the Elephant Community Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Apr. 24, 2018
Smithsonian Scientists Partner With a Global Alliance to Sequence DNA From All Complex Life on Earth
Smithsonian scientists are part of an expanding global effort set to tackle what could be the most ambitious project in the history of biology—sequencing the DNA of all eukaryotic species on Earth,...
Apr. 23, 2018
On Sunday, April 15, at 6:25 p.m., we welcomed our seventh western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!
Apr. 20, 2018
Get the latest scoop on Asian elephant Spike from animal keeper Amanda Bobyack.
Apr. 20, 2018
Brown pelicans are a favorite of visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s American Trail exhibit. Yet, many zoogoers may not realize that these marine birds call the Chesapeake Bay home. Last...
Apr. 20, 2018
As a wildlife veterinarian for the SCBI’s Global Health Program, Dr. Marc Valitutto was asked to visit and evaluate the Royal Takin Preserve in Thimpu, Bhutan, to help build their veterinary capacity...
Apr. 20, 2018
Over the last year, a record 91 cheetah cubs have been born at institutions affiliated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP). In this Q&A, Smithsonian...
Apr. 19, 2018
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and Clemson University scientists have found that poaching is an emerging crisis in Myanmar for Asian elephants.
Apr. 17, 2018
On Sunday, April 15, western lowland gorilla Calaya gave birth! Calaya and her newborn son, Moke, are resting and bonding in the Great Ape House.
Apr. 16, 2018
For the first time in nine years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a male western lowland gorilla.
Apr. 12, 2018
SMBC Director Pete Marra is the recipient of the American Ornithological Society’s prestigious Elliott Coues Award in recognition of his outstanding and innovative ornithological research.
Apr. 12, 2018
Get the answers to some of the most-searched questions about the desert dwelling, big-eared fennec fox!
Apr. 06, 2018
The Great Ape House is awaiting the arrival of its newest resident! Keepers have been watching western lowland gorilla Calaya’s sleep patterns, appetite and socialization, as any changes in her...
Apr. 06, 2018
In December 2017, Global Health Program wildlife veterinarian Dawn Zimmerman traveled to Rwanda and worked with the Gorilla Doctors for three weeks.
Apr. 06, 2018
Get the scoop on the Zoo’s new 3-year-old sloth bear, Niko, from animal keeper Mindy Babitz.
Apr. 05, 2018
Painting with alpacas, training miniature donkeys and hosting hands-on animal encounters. It’s all in a day’s work for animal keepers Nikki Maticic and John Taylor! Follow their story for a behind-...
Mar. 30, 2018
On Saturday, April 14, FONZ members can bring the family to “Amazing Adaptations: A Live Animal Program with The Maryland Zoo,” held at the Smithsonian's National Zoo’s Visitor Center Auditorium. The...
Mar. 30, 2018
As western lowland gorilla Calaya nears the end of her pregnancy, keepers at the Great Ape House are keeping a close watch on her, monitoring for any indication that she is in labor. Calaya is due to...
Mar. 29, 2018
This update was written by elephant keeper Kayleigh Sullivan. It has been almost a week since Asian elephant Spike arrived at the Elephant Trails habitat. Since then, he has made himself right at...
Mar. 28, 2018
May is for Members at the Zoo, which means that every single day of the month will bring a special offer or discount—just for FONZ members. And whether you're a member or not, you'll get a big...
Mar. 27, 2018
Smithsonian scientists and partners have developed a mathematical model to help understand why certain landscapes are especially vulnerable to losing their forests and the species that rely on them,...
Mar. 23, 2018
Primate keeper Melba Brown discusses nutrition for pregnant western lowland gorilla, Calaya, and the significant role of milk for her infant.