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Zoo News Archive
Jun. 05, 2023
Starting today, June 5, western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Jun. 02, 2023
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia welcomed a litter of endangered black-footed ferrets last week. One-year-old...
May. 28, 2023
For the first time in five years, primate staff are celebrating the birth of a western lowland gorilla—a critically endangered species. It was born between midnight and 6:15 a.m. May 27 to mother...
May. 24, 2023
For the first time in 16 years, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., is celebrating the birth of three meerkats.
May. 22, 2023
How do you train a panda to voluntarily participate in blood draws and other medical exams? By building the bears’ trust and rewarding their participation with treats!
May. 12, 2023
Earlier this spring, a curious and playful pinniped splashed down on American Trail. Meet Ronin, our 1-year-old sea lion, who has charmed keepers and visitors alike since her debut in April!
May. 12, 2023
Poison frogs living in human care aren’t poisonous, thanks to a “detox” diet of mild insects, like crickets and fruit flies. Can adding alkaloids to a frog’s diet help it regain its toxins and get...
May. 07, 2023
'Hoppy' Amphibian Awareness Week! All week long, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will be sharing stories about amazing amphibians and the scientists working to save...
May. 01, 2023
Every spring and fall billions of birds fly thousands of miles to reach their breeding and wintering grounds, yet some of the most basic details of these astonishing avian pilgrimages remain murky....
Apr. 27, 2023
With just a few tips and tricks, anyone can find salamanders and celebrate nature in their local area.
Apr. 25, 2023
The warm weather has brought the cubs new enrichment activities, including a tub filled with ice cubes!
Apr. 17, 2023
The sliminess on amphibians is more than just goop—it’s how these animals survive. A scientist and intern from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for...
Apr. 17, 2023
There's plenty to see this summer at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Check out five amazing things you won’t want to miss during your next visit.
Apr. 14, 2023
Focus on the Future is a series that seeks to highlight the early career scientists who conduct research at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Apr. 13, 2023
Focus on the Future is a series that seeks to highlight the early career scientists who conduct research at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Learn about...
Apr. 07, 2023
At Lemur Island, school is always in session for our ring-tailed and black-and-white ruffed residents. Learn how primate keeper Lynne McMahan has trained the lemurs to voluntarily participate in...
Apr. 07, 2023
What animal can rotate its head 180 degrees, has ears that function like satellites and marks its territory (and members of its social group) with urine? Meet our southern lesser galago brothers,...
Apr. 06, 2023
Our Andean bear cubs have moved into the outdoor yard! Animal keeper Sara Colandrea describes how they're learning to explore their new home for the first time.
Apr. 05, 2023
On March 30, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC) held its first meeting of 2023.
Apr. 03, 2023
Thanks to their thick skin, strong claws, sharp teeth, and painful bite, Komodo dragons are NOT an animal you'd want to mess with.
Apr. 01, 2023
Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute made a breakthrough in the recreation of glyptodon, a prehistoric giant armadillo that went extinct nearly 11,000 years...
Mar. 27, 2023
Here's why eating poop can sometimes be good for animal health—and how the practice is even becoming an important part of human and animal medicine.
Mar. 27, 2023
Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view.
Mar. 24, 2023
Two male Andean bear cubs make their outdoor debut March 27, 2023.
Mar. 23, 2023
Western Lowland Gorilla Is Pregnant at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., are making preparations for the highly anticipated birth of a critically endangered...