News Archive

You may not like needles or giving blood when you go to the doctor’s office, but did you know that blood is an important diagnostic tool for veterinarians? When an animal is feeling sick, obtaining a blood sample for analysis is often one of the very first steps a veterinarian takes.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is hosting several events in April and May, 2020, including Earth Optimism on Easter Monday; International Family Equality Day; Wildlife Migration Day; and Bite Night: ZooFari.

Stanley crane Alice is unlike any other bird of her species. Hand-raised by keepers, she has a sweet temperament and joyous personality. When she sustained a leg injury last summer, animal care staff rallied around Alice and found an innovative solution to help her thrive. Keeper Debi Talbott shares...

Two mysterious and secretive residents recently arrived at the Reptile Discovery Center: Iranian fat-tailed geckos! Get the scoop on this rad brother-sister duo from animal keeper Sara Hasenstab.

How do keepers safely care for an 850-pound Grevy's zebra? By incorporating training into his everyday routine. Find out more in this update from animal keeper Regina Bakely.

Dr. Suzan Murray, head of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Global Health Program testifies on zoonotic disease transmission.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo humanely euthanized Zora, a 7-year-old bison, earlier today.

Smithsonian's National Zoo Director Steve Monfort shares with neighbors the Zoo's plans for 2020 spring break security and upcoming events.

Add a little sunshine to a gray winter day with a trip to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. There’s still plenty to see from December through March. This guide will help you plan for a cold-weather visit.

Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and the Columbus Zoo have successfully transferred cheetah embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) to a surrogate cheetah mom for the first time.

On Monday, Feb. 10, Smithsonian’s National Zoo officials attended a Woodley Park Community Association meeting organized by councilmember Mary Cheh from 7 to 8 p.m. at Stanford (2661 Connecticut Ave, NW). In this meeting, presenters and WPCA members discussed safety and security at the Zoo following...

It has been a fairly mild winter at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. But we did have one bigger snow day Jan. 7. It snowed almost 6 inches at some of our barns. 

Across Laikipia County in central Kenya, endangered species like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and African wild dog, coexist alongside rapidly growing numbers of people and livestock. A study published this month reveals that whether wild herbivore species thrive or decline in Laikipia is...

Primate keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Sydney, a white-cheeked gibbon who was humanely euthanized Feb. 4. He was 20 years old.

Inti is bold, Masi is chill and Sani is shy (unless there is food around). No, they aren’t the latest reality TV divas, but the newest residents at the Zoo. An all-female herd of guinea pigs has moved in to their new digs in Amazonia.

Moke may just be a few months shy of turning 2-years-old, but our young western lowland gorilla has quite an independent personality! Last autumn, he mastered voluntary injection training. 

Given the choice between mealworms and melons, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s sloth bears—6-year-old female Remi and 5-year-old male Niko—will almost always choose the former, even when their diet is presented to them in the form of a photo. Animal keepers at the Zoo’s Asia Trail exhibit are the...

An elderly 25-year-old male Mariana crow named Clint was humanely euthanized at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Jan.14. 

American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Luke, a male harbor seal who was humanely euthanized Jan. 23. At 35 years old, Luke was considered geriatric for his species. 

In celebration of Squirrel Appreciation Day on Jan. 21, here are six facts to get you better acquainted with the Prevost’s squirrel.

David E. Wildt, renowned scientist and conservationist died at his home on January 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 zoos as they respond to ecological crises. 

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian have been having some adventures around the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat!

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 was declared extinct in the wild,

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.