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VISITORS: In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, face coverings are strongly recommended for guests, ages two and older. Social distancing is also encouraged.
Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more.
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) is seeking volunteers with an interest in animals and their conservation to assist with upcoming events, games, projects and keeper needs.... read press release
A scimitar-horned oryx has joined the ranks of endangered animals born this year at the National Zoo’s conservation center in Front Royal, Va., where scientists also recently confirmed the gender of... read press release
A 24-hour pregnancy watch of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) is slated to begin today at 4 p.m.... read press release
As a disease known as amphibian chytrid fungus continues to wipe out amphibian species worldwide, frogs in Panama are finding a safe haven in a seemingly unlikely spot—between the metal walls of... read press release
Two weeks and 7,050 votes after the Smithsonian’s National Zoo opened the online polls to the public to name its new giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini), one choice has emerged... read press release
Following a final ultrasound and hormone analysis, staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo confirmed late yesterday (Tuesday, April 27) that female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) is not preg... read press release
Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected a secondary rise in urinary progestagen levels in the Zoo’s female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) March 30.... read press release
One of the world’s most endangered species—a brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli—hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Bird House, early Tuesday morning, March 30.... read press release
It is a natural explorer in the wild and seems to have an impressive memory. It has eight arms, no spine and its very own Web cam.... read press release
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s rare male clouded leopards Ta Moon (“mischievous child”) and Sa Ming (“brave warrior”) are one year old today!... read press release
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo will continue a Washington tradition that spans more than 100 years by hosting “Easter Monday: An African American Family Tradition”... read press release
At a mere three pounds, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s new giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) doesn’t appear to have earned its name.... read press release
Understanding how to save an animal species from dying out may depend, in part, on understanding the many unique processes that lead to birth.... read press release
On February 22, Kigali—the National Zoo’s 15-year-old female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)—successfully underwent dental surgery for a fractured tooth.... read press release
A clouded leopard at the Smithsonian's National Zoo’s campus in Front Royal, Va., gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs on Valentine’s Day—Sunday, Feb. 14.... read press release