Share this page:

Zoo News Archive

Jun. 27, 2009
A rare white-naped crane has hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Va. on May 23.
Jun. 27, 2009
Veterinarians and animal care staff conducted a series of artificial insemination procedures this week on Shanthi, one of the Asian elephants at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
May. 27, 2009
Eleven stingrays and two arowanas (fish) were found dead in their pool at the National Zoo’s Amazonia exhibit Monday, May 25, shortly after 7 a.m.
May. 27, 2009
Eight institutions announced today their joint venture to save amphibians from the brink of extinction in the eastern region of Panama—an area rich with diverse amphibian species.
May. 27, 2009
Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected the start of the decline in urinary progestin levels in the Zoo’s female giant panda, Mei Xiang (may-SHONG).
May. 27, 2009
Staff at Smithsonian’s National Zoo confirmed late yesterday that female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) is not pregnant but was experiencing a pseudo, or false, pregnancy during the past...
Mar. 27, 2009
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a giant anteater born yesterday, March 12, in an indoor enclosure. This is only the second giant anteater to be born in the...
Mar. 27, 2009
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is pleased to announce the name of its 2 1/2-month-old female baby western lowland gorilla—Kibibi (kee-BEE-bee)—which means little lady in Swahili.
Mar. 27, 2009
An endangered clouded leopard at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Va., gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs on Tuesday, March...
Mar. 27, 2009
Toast wildlife conservation at The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s annual wine-tasting event, “Grapes With the Apes,” April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Mar. 27, 2009
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo will host the free event “Easter Monday: Celebrating the African American Family” April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mar. 01, 2009
An endangered clouded leopard at the National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Virginia, gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs early in the morning on...
Feb. 27, 2009
Billie Jean, a three-year-old female spectacled bear, made her debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Weighing about 113 pounds and still growing, she is quite agile—climbing high in the new...
Feb. 27, 2009
A six-month-old, male Przewalski’s horse died at the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Va. Friday, Jan. 30, due to a fractured neck.
Jan. 27, 2009
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is experiencing a critical and unexpected shortage of its bamboo supply and is reaching out to local landowners and farmers who have bamboo and will allow the Zoo to...
Jan. 27, 2009
Yesterday, a baby western lowland gorilla was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Staff estimate the baby was born at approximately 1:45 p.m. to 26-year-old female Mandara and 16-year-old...
Jan. 27, 2009
If you have ever tried to capture a picture-perfect image of the National Zoo’s giant pandas or wondered how the Zoo’s photographers snap beguiling photos of animals as diverse as elephants and...
Jan. 27, 2009
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has appointed Joseph M. Sacco associate director for education, effective Jan. 5, 2009.
Jan. 27, 2009
The 2009 giant panda mating season began Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Female Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN) attempted to mate throughout the day...
Jan. 27, 2009
Looking for the wildest way to celebrate Valentine's Day without breaking the bank? Attend the Smithsonian's National Zoo's friskiest and fun-filled FREE event: Woo at the Zoo Thursday, February 12.
A small, blue and yellow bird, called a Kirtland's warbler, held in a researcher's hand
Dec. 14, 2008
Kirtland's warblers are so abundant in some parts of this ecosystem that it is hard to believe that the Kirtland's is the rarest songbird in North America, nesting almost exclusively in about 16...
A camera icon and the text "image coming soon"
Nov. 15, 2008
Besides the famous yellow-bellied sapsucker, there is another species of sapsucker, the Williamson's, and there are at least two others more closely related to the yellow-bellied.
small bird jumping on a branch near berries
Oct. 01, 2008
Hanging upside down on branches, stealing insects from the undersides of leaves, this acrobatic and gregarious bird is always a welcome sight. Though a common visitor to backyard feeders throughout...
large, long-tailed bird
Sep. 14, 2008
As soon as they step off the boat onto Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the eight California Channel Islands, a distinctive, metallic call greets visitors. This call belongs the island scrub-jay, a...
pigeon walking on ground
Jun. 14, 2008
The rock pigeon is the official English name for our common city pigeon. It is as noble as any animal when you view it in its proper place.