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Beginning Jan. 18, 2022, the Zoo is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last admittance 2:30 p.m.). Select animal buildings remain closed. Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas.

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Press Releases

Black-footed ferret mom Potpie and her newborn kit on the Black-footed Ferret Cam livestream
May. 19, 2021
Black-Footed Ferrets Are Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, are welcoming a litter of endangered black-footed ferret kits. Three-year-old female Potpie has birthed... read press release
Indian flying foxes roosting in a tree in Myanmar.
May. 18, 2021
New Model for Infectious Disease Could Better Predict Future Pandemics
In new study, Smithsonian scientists and partners provide a framework for a new approach to modeling infectious diseases. It adapts established methods developed to study the planet’s natural systems... read press release
Lion statue at Zoo's entrance with face covering.
May. 11, 2021
What’s New at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Giant Panda Viewing Details
When visitors return to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute May 21, they will find both familiar and new faces as they explore the park.... read press release
Bornean Rajah scops owl roosting in a tree.
May. 03, 2021
Bornean Rajah Scops Owl Rediscovered After 125 Years
The Bornean subspecies of Rajah scops owl (Otus brookii brookii), documented in the wild for the first time since 1892, may be its own unique species and deserving of a conservation designation.... read press release
Lesser kudu calf laying down in the sand.
Apr. 29, 2021
Male Lesser Kudu Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a male lesser kudu calf, who was born Mar. 29 to 7-year-old mother Rogue and 10-year-old father... read press release
Lion statue wearing face mask.
Apr. 23, 2021
Smithsonian To Reopen Seven Museums and the National Zoo in May
The Smithsonian will reopen eight of its facilities to the public in May, starting with the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, Wednesday, May 5.... read press release
Smithsonian researcher covered in insects attracted to artificial light at night.
Mar. 17, 2021
Smithsonian Scientists Discover the Key To Mitigating Impact of Artificial Light at Night in Tropical Forests
Artificial light at night is a major factor in global insect decline. Smithsonian scientists and partners found that using amber-colored filters to remove the blue spectra of light from “warm white”... read press release
Cheetah Justin (nicknamed "Gat") lays in the grass at the Cheetah Conservation Station.
Mar. 08, 2021
Male Cheetah Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Justin (nicknamed “Gat”), a male cheetah who died unexpectedly following a brief illness. Gat was 8... read press release
Feb. 04, 2021
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and Friends of the National Zoo Dissolve Formal Partnership
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZP/SCBI) and the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), an independent nonprofit organization, announce the dissolution of their... read press release
Common nighthawk fitted with GPS transmitter.
Feb. 03, 2021
Mysteries of Common Nighthawk Migration Unlocked Using GPS Tracking
A new study led by Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and University of Alberta biologists has created a comprehensive picture of the 10,000 kilometer migratory route of common nighthawks using GPS... read press release
A giant panda cub stands in an area covered in a light dusting of snow and some scattered bamboo leaves.
Feb. 01, 2021
Snow Day: Smithsonian's National Zoo
As snow blanketed the Washington, D.C., region Jan. 31, 2021, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's animals woke up to a winter wonderland. read press... read press release
Dama gazelle Adara at the Cheetah Conservation Station.
Dec. 11, 2020
Elderly Dama Gazelle Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Adara, a female dama gazelle who was humanely euthanized Dec. 7. She was 14 years old. ... read press release
Two giant pandas, a female named Mei Xiang and a male named Tian Tian, sit side by side in the snow eating bamboo
Dec. 07, 2020
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Extends Giant Panda Agreement
Giant pandas, icons and ambassadors for the efforts to save the species in Washington, D.C., since 1972, will continue to live at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo through the end of 2023.... read press release
The Smithsonian's National Zoo's 3-month-old giant panda cub (Nov. 18, 2020).
Nov. 23, 2020
His Name Is Xiao Qi Ji
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s 3-month-old giant panda cub received his name today. After five days of voting and just under 135,000 votes, the winning name is... read press release
Nov. 20, 2020
COVID Closure: A Note from the Director of the Zoo
A note from the Zoo's Director, Steve Monfort, on the closing of the Zoo. read press release
Nov. 19, 2020
Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo To Close Nov. 23
Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, all Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will temporarily close to the public starting Monday,... read press release
Pair of African crested rats
Nov. 19, 2020
The Secret Social Lives of Giant Poisonous Rats
The African crested rat's fur is packed with a poison so lethal it can fell an elephant, and just a few milligrams can kill a human. Researchers found that it's the only mammal known to sequester... read press release
Giant panda cub at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Nov. 16, 2020
Public Can Vote To Name Smithsonian’s National Zoo Giant Panda Cub
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is asking the public to help name the male giant panda cub, now 9.2 pounds of adorable, at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda... read press release
ZooLights Express flatbed truck with holiday sparkle
Nov. 10, 2020
ZooLights Express, Powered by Pepco, Brings Eight Nights of Holiday Sparkle to Washington, D.C. Wards
ZooLights Express—powered by Pepco—will bring the colorful glow of Washington, D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition into the community beginning Nov. 27. Festively decorated... read press release
Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji eating an apple.
Nov. 02, 2020
Giant Panda Cub Xiao Qi Ji Media Resources
Find comprehensive resources for media on the giant panda cub. read press release