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Press Releases

Caravan of camels moving across the edge of the Chalbi Desert in Marsabit County, Kenya.
Jun. 06, 2023
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and Kenyan Partners Awarded $5 Million Grant To Prevent Emerging Diseases in Northern Kenya
 The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)’s Global Health Program and partners including the International Livestock Research Institute, Government of Kenya Zoonotic... read press release
Western lowland gorilla infant cradled in her mother's arms. She is looking up at the viewer with her mouth open, appearing to be smiling.
Jun. 05, 2023
The Public Can Help Name a Baby Western Lowland Gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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.... read press release
Female black-footed ferret Hickory in a nest box nursing her kits at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
Jun. 02, 2023
Watch Black-Footed Ferret Mom Hickory and Her New Kits on Public Webcam
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... read press release
Newborn gorilla cradled by mother Calaya, a 20-year-old female western lowland gorilla. She gave birth to her second offspring May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
May. 28, 2023
Western Lowland Gorilla Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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... read press release
Three meerkat pups were born to mother Sadie and father Frankie May 10, 2023.
May. 24, 2023
Meerkats Are Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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. ... read press release
Researcher holds a radio-tagged Kirtland’s Warbler, a yellow and gray songbird, just before releasing it in The Bahamas.
May. 01, 2023
Night Flight: Tracking Data Reveal When and Why Songbirds Begin Their Massive Journeys and How They Decide to Leave
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.... read press release
Andean bear mother Brienne and her 4-month-old cub explore their outdoor habitat on March 22, 2023.
Mar. 27, 2023
Andean Bear Cub Brothers Now on View Outdoors at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view. read press release
Mar. 24, 2023
Media Advisory: Andean Bear Cub Brothers Now on View
Two male Andean bear cubs make their outdoor debut March 27, 2023. read press release
Western lowland gorilla Calaya explores her outdoor habitat.
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... read press release
Mar. 15, 2023
Zoo Director's Remarks From the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall Event (March 15, 2023)
Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, delivered these remarks at the Eleanor Holmes Norton Town Hall event on March 15,... read press release
Shorebirds—including sanderling and dunlin—stroll on the beaches of the Delaware Bay aviary. Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute visitors will be able to see these migratory birds up close at the renovated Bird House, which will
Feb. 22, 2023
Bird House Reopens at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute invites visitors to soar into its renovated Bird House, opening Monday, March 13. ... read press release
Lush green forest that is a private bird reserve, Reserva Zorzal, in the Dominican Republic.
Feb. 06, 2023
Be a Tweetheart: Eat Chocolate and Save Birds
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... read press release
Zoo entrance with icon banners.
Jan. 11, 2023
Reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Entry Pass Inquiry
A reply to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton entry pass inquiry. read press release
The front torso of a Cuban crocodile sitting in shallow water
Dec. 22, 2022
Cuban Crocodile Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
A 10-year-old male Cuban crocodile at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) has died.... read press release
Two Asian female elephants.
Dec. 13, 2022
New Mother and Daughter Asian Elephants On View at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
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... read press release
Andean bear Brienne cradles her two cubs in a nest.
Nov. 23, 2022
Andean Bear Cubs Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
After an eight-year hiatus, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is celebrating the birth of two Andean bears. The cubs were born Nov. 15 to first-time parents, 3-year-... read press release
People walk down Olmstead Walk at night with trees wrapped in various colored lights along the right and hedges wrapped in green lights on the left.
Nov. 16, 2022
ZooLights, Powered by Pepco, Returns Nov. 25
Washington D.C.’s beloved free, family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, powered by Pepco, returns to brighten the season at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.... read press release
Asian elephants Trong Nhi and Nhi Linn at Rotterdam Zoo.
Nov. 07, 2022
Two Female Asian Elephants Welcomed to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute community is celebrating the arrival two female Asian elephants, 19-year-old Trong Nhi and her daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh, to... read press release
Oct. 28, 2022
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Bird Expert Testimony on Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act of 2022
Read curator of birds, Sara Hallager's testimony on Bill 24-710 before the Washington, D.C., City Council.... read press release
African lion Luke gazes up at the snow.
Oct. 21, 2022
African Lion Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Luke, an African lion who was humanely euthanized Oct. 19. He was 17 years old. ... read press release