News Archive

Tool use by sea otters to break open well-armored food is not necessarily a family matter, according to a new study published this week by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and partners.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo has received good questions about the giant panda weaning process and recent behaviors exhibited by Bei Bei and Mei Xiang. The giant panda science and animal care team put together this FAQ, which includes further context on maternal/cub and pre-estrus behaviors and...

With a FONZ Conservation Grant, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute scientists are able to understand the family trees of elephants at zoos around the country, as well as answer questions about animal health.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is celebrating Easter Monday: A Washington Family Tradition (April 17), Earth Optimism Summit (April 21 - 23), Earth Optimism Day (April 22) and International Migratory Bird Day (May 6).

The Smithsonian will convene the first Earth Optimism Summit, a three-day event featuring more than 150 scientists, thought leaders, philanthropists, conservationists and civic leaders, which will highlight what is working in conservation and how to scale up and replicate it.

Bao Bao is settling into her new home in China. Upon arriving at the Dujiangyan panda base, Bao Bao entered her new habitat without hesitation and immediately started exploring. True to character, Bao Bao was very independent and immediately began taking food from her new keeper.

People who have been watching the panda cams have seen some big changes over the last few weeks. Bei Bei is weaning from Mei Xiang. We have heard from many worried panda fans as Mei Xiang and Bei Bei go through their weaning process. This is the third panda cub we have weaned at the Smithsonian’s...

Five-month-old Bornean orangutan Redd has sprouted four teeth! Get the latest scoop on the growing primate infant from animal keeper Elliott Rosenthal.

We’re celebrating the newest member of the Small Mammal House, a baby prehensile tailed porcupine, by taking a closer look at one of the species' defining characteristics—quills!

What does it mean when a Cayman Island blue iguana bobs his head? It could mean “stay away from my territory” or “let’s mate!” Check out the photo slideshow for some of keeper Kyle Miller’s favorite facts about this species.

On March 1, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Nashville Zoo announced the birth of a male clouded leopard from an artificial insemination procedure using frozen/thawed semen. This accomplishment is a first for this species and a giant step for global...

Using new and minute technology, Smithsonian scientists have, for the first time ever, tracked one of North America’s rarest birds―the Kirtland’s warbler―throughout its full annual cycle, revealing new and critical information for the bird’s future.

Join world-renowned scientists for in-depth discussions about how new technology is impacting conservation management of endangered species.

At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), our cheetah breeding program has been very successful since its beginnings eight years ago. The cheetah breeding facility is nine acres and it’s nestled away in a quiet area of SCBI. Cheetahs in particular breed more successfully in quiet...

The Small Mammal House recently welcomed a baby prehensile-tailed porcupine! Baby porcupines are known, adorably, as porcupettes. 

The Reptile Discovery Center’s research on Cuban crocodiles continues! Currently, the team is listening for and recording vocalizations.

Bao Bao, her keeper Marty Dearie and Dr. Katharine Hope landed at China’s Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport around 6:59 p.m. CST after a 16-hour direct flight aboard the “FedEx Panda Express,” a custom-decaled 777F aircraft. 

Giant panda Bao Bao and Zoo staff landed at China’s Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport around 6:59 p.m. 

Early this morning, wild, migratory black-crowned night herons were seen for the first time this year returning to their nesting colony near the Zoo's Bird House—their only rookery in Washington, D.C.

VIDEO: Here's a look back at what Bao Bao means to all of us.

Bao Bao began her journey to China this morning. She departed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo at 10:35 for Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia where she will board a FedEx 777F plane bound for Chengdu, China.

As keepers prepared to say bye-bye to Bao Bao, they shared some of their favorite memories of the playful and inquisitive cub who made history.

Relive some of giant panda Bao Bao's best moments in this video!

At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, giant pandas sit in their habitat munching contentedly on bamboo shoots. But, consider that giant pandas—native to China—were once on the brink of extinction. And, if not for passionate and dedicated conservationists, the world may have been devoid of pandas.