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Press Releases

Orange spider web projection on outdoors of Reptile Discovery Center.
Sep. 14, 2022
Boo at the Zoo Is Back Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Not a trick, only the sweetest treat: Boo at the Zoo, the beloved family-friendly Halloween event at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, sponsored by Mars Wrigley... read press release
A female blue-billed curassow chick named Aluna hatched Aug. 5, 2022 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Aug. 29, 2022
Two Critically Endangered Blue-Billed Curassows Hatch at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
For the first time, Bird House keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the hatching of two critically endangered blue-billed curassows. ... read press release
Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji approaches an ice cake with a giant red 2 in front and bamboo coming out the back. The cake is sitting in the outdoor yard on a rock formation. Xiao Qi Ji's nose is inches away from the cake. There are decorated boxes behind him
Aug. 21, 2022
Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji Celebrates Second Birthday at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
This morning, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute celebrated giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s second birthday.... read press release
Aug. 16, 2022
Media Advisory: Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji’s Second Birthday Celebration Aug. 21
The Zoo’s giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji, will celebrate his second birthday Aug. 21 with a specially tailored fruitsicle cake.... read press release
A tree sports a metal dendrometer band, which scientists use to measure tree growth.
Aug. 10, 2022
New Research Reveals Forest Mitigation of Climate Change Is Overestimated
In recent decades, global forest tree growth has dramatically slowed the pace of atmospheric carbon dioxide accumulation and climate change. ... read press release
Brew at the Zoo logo combines the images of an African lion and a hops in an orange/red obmre.
Aug. 02, 2022
Brew at the Zoo Returns Sept. 8 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
On Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., raise your glass for conservation and enjoy unlimited tastings from more than 45 breweries and cideries. ... read press release
A juvenile sea urchin against a black background. It has light, mottled coloration and small spines jutting out from its spherical center
Jul. 26, 2022
Tropical Sea Urchin Is Grown in Lab for First Time
For the first time, a tropical sea urchin — a species intrinsically linked to the long-term health and survival of coral reefs — was grown successfully from cryopreserved embryos.... read press release
Hereford Rose stands outside the Kids' Farm barn on a snowy January day. Rose's face is turned toward the camera but to the side so her left eye is not showing.
Jul. 25, 2022
Hereford Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Kids’ Farm keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Rose—a 19-year-old female Hereford who was humanely euthanized July 25. ... read press release
Jul. 22, 2022
Smithsonian Statement: WordFly Data Security Incident
We want to let you know about an incident that occurred at a company that we use to send email communications to our community about our programs and events. The company, WordFly, was the victim of a... read press release
A whooping crane chick receives a mealworm from its mother.
Jun. 17, 2022
First Whooping Crane Hatches at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
For the first time, a whooping crane—one of the most endangered species of crane in the world —hatched May 26 and is thriving at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal,... read press release
The binturong exhibit on the Claws and Paws Pathway. The pathway is circular, with the binturong exhibit in the center. The area is surrounded by a low black fence and the exhibit is covered in black mesh. Inside there are wooden climbing structures.
May. 27, 2022
Claws and Paws Pathway Opens at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Prowl the new Claws & Paws Pathway exhibit opening to the public Friday, May 27. Visitors will encounter a North American porcupine, bobcats and the Zoo’s newest residents — binturongs and Pallas... read press release
A flock of flamingos stands on sandy ground next to a pool of water. Their enclosure is seen behind them with mesh fencing.
May. 03, 2022
Tragic Loss of Animal Life at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are devastated and mourning the loss of 25 American flamingos and one Northern pintail duck killed by a fox yesterday in the... read press release
Two lesser kudu calves laying next to one another in a bed of wood shavings.
Apr. 27, 2022
Lesser Kudu Calves and a Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin Are Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are rejoicing in the birth of two lesser kudu calves. For the second time in 6 months, Small... read press release
A man and woman stand in on a rocky ledge behind a large ice cake with the number 50 on it
Apr. 16, 2022
Giant Pandas Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the Giant Panda Program At Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
To commemorate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas, the Smithsonian's National Zoo’s in-residence giant panda family—Tian Tian, Mei... read press release
Apr. 11, 2022
Media Advisory: Giant Panda 50th Anniversary Celebration April 16 and 17
Presentation of panda-friendly fruitsicle cakes to giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji, his mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian. ... read press release
Apr. 11, 2022
D.C. Council Declares April 2022 as "Giant Panda Month" in Washington, D.C.
On April 5, the D.C. Council passed a Ceremonial Resolution declaring April 2022, “Giant Panda Month” in recognition and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and... read press release
Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji hanging upside down from his outdoor play structure.
Mar. 31, 2022
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and National Head Start Association Partner to Reach Children Nationwide About Animals and Conservation
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) and National Head Start Association (NHSA) have announced today, March 31, a yearlong partnership to provide free nature-... read press release
Giant panda cub Mei Xiang licks her cub's head as he stands on a log
Mar. 16, 2022
Giant Panda 50th Anniversary Media Resources
Find comprehensive resources for media on the 50th anniversary of the Giant Panda Program at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.... read press release
Giant pandas Hsing-Hsing (left) and Ling-Ling (right) at their habitat at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
Mar. 16, 2022
Celebrating 50 Years of Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will celebrate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas April 16. Today is... read press release
Blue crane Alice explores her exhibit at the Bird House.
Feb. 09, 2022
Stanley Crane Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bird House keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Alice, a female Stanley crane who died Jan. 28 during surgery to correct a limb deformity she had developed. She was 7... read press release