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Press Releases

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
A female Kirtland's warbler songbird perched on the branch of a jack pine tree
Oct. 12, 2022
2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report Reveals Widespread Losses of Birds in All Habitats–Except for One
A newly released State of the Birds report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. ... read press release
Animal care staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a litter of two cheetah cubs to first-time mother Amani overnight Oct. 3.
Oct. 06, 2022
Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a litter of two cheetah cubs. First-time mother, 4-year-old female Amani, birthed the cubs Oct. 3 around 9:17 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. ET. They appear... read press release
Two swift fox cubs sit in tall grasses of the American Prairie
Sep. 28, 2022
Tribes Successful with Swift Fox Reintroduction Program at Fort Belknap
The Fort Belknap Indian Community commemorated three years of its swift fox recovery program with the release of three swift foxes on Tribal lands, bringing the total to 103 recovered back to these... read press release
A female lion walks through green grass
Sep. 27, 2022
Lion Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are grieving the loss of Nababiep, a female African lion affectionately called Naba, who was humanely euthanized Sept. 26.... read press release