News Archive

Flutter into how animal keeper Becca Zurlo cares for the iconic wood thrush—the official bird of Washington, D.C.—in the newly renovated Bird House!

Xiao QI Ji is stepping out on his own! Our 2.5-year-old giant panda has been playing, eating and sleeping by himself lately—behaviors that indicate he’s ready for independence.

Just before the Andean bear cubs turned three months old, it was time for their beary first veterinary exam. Read on to find out how the exam went from animal keeper Sara Colandrea.

If you haven’t yet heard—or perhaps a little bird told you already—the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Bird House exhibit has once again opened its doors to the public as of March 2023.

On March 13, the newly renovated Bird House’s doors will flap open, welcoming guests with a chorus of chirps, tweets and quacks. Yes, quacks! Get to know the 11 lucky duck species in the Bird House from animal keeper Jen Ferraro.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute invites visitors to soar into its renovated Bird House, open Monday, March 13, 2023.

Our 4-month-old cheetah cubs have had a busy couple of weeks! They played on new furniture in their yard, got a taste of a new treat, and had their last cub veterinary exam. Read on for a playful video and the latest update from carnivore keepers in Front Royal, Virginia.

Eating chocolate is now better for birds, humans and the planet. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has expanded its Smithsonian Bird Friendly certification program to include standards for cocoa farming. This is the only certification that guarantees 100% of the cocoa...

A brave and curious gray seal pup is making a splash on American Trail! Two-year-old female Jo-Jo was rescued from the wild and made her debut at the Zoo in January. Get to know her in this Q+A with assistant curator Rebecca Sturniolo.

Tune in to the ele-FUN! Watch our 9-year-old Asian elephant, Nhi Linh, play with a weeble-wobble enrichment toy.

The winter winds may blow chilly and cold, but they also bring out the sillies in our giant panda cub. The frisky 2.5-year-old tumbled around his outdoor habitat and showed off his unique somersault style.

Watch out! Our 2-month-old Andean bear cubs are on the move. Read on for the full update and to watch a clip of the cubs practicing walking.

It may be cold outside, but these bear-y cute snuggles from our Andean Bear Cub Cam are sure to warm you up!

Amani and her 3-month-old cubs are entering the new year with new experiences and a clean bill of health. Read on for the full update from the keepers!

The new gal in town is inquisitive, a foodie and has a knack for shredding paper. Meet Acadia, a 2-year-old female bald eagle in this Q+A with American trail keepers Ashley Graham and Sam Milne!

A reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton entry pass inquiry.

Meet the four clouded leopards who call the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute home. Pounce from Washington D.C. with Asia Trail keepers Kaitlyn Adkins and Jenny Spotten, to Front Royal, Virginia with animal keeper Jessica Kordell to learn more about these cool cats.

Let’s get ready to rumble, trumpet and stomp! Ever since Asian elephants Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh made their debut at the Elephant Trails habitat.

Their hobbies include eating, snuggling and snoozing. Follow your nose to the Small Mammal House and meet our new striped skunk brothers, Pigpen and Sauerkraut!

Our six-week-old Andean bear cubs’ eyes have opened! While their favorite spot continues to be curled up with mother Brienne, she has also started carrying them out of the den.

A 10-year-old male Cuban crocodile at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) has died.

Recently, giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji has been exploring his new habitat with his mother, Mei Xiang, by his side. Get the latest update from keeper Mariel Lally.

It’s been a jolly time for Amani and her two cubs over the last couple weeks! The family received some new enrichment and the cubs had their 9-week exam. Read on for the full Cheetah Cubdate from cheetah biologist, Adrienne Crosier.

Two new female Asian elephants, 19-year-old Trong Nhi (trong-nEE) and her daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh (nEE-lin), are now on public view at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., having completed quarantine following their Nov. 7 arrival...

Brienne’s cubs are one month old on Thursday, Dec. 15. Since their birth, keepers have primarily watched mom and cubs from the Andean Bear Cub Cam. Last week, animal keeper Sara Colandrea was able to see the cubs up-close and in-person for the beary first time! Read on for the full update.