Press Release Archive
An archive of press releases from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Rising Carbon Dioxide May Be Diluting Plant Nutrients, Threatening Herbivores
A new study warns that increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere may decrease the nutrient contents of plants and could cause further population declines farther up the ecological chain.

Two New Giant Pandas Coming to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute From China by End of the Year
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo will welcome a new pair of giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, by the end of the year.

Black-Footed Ferrets Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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 this week.

Smithsonian Project to Save Amazonian Primates from Road Impacts Wins U.K. Whitley Award
Smithsonian postdoctoral fellow Fernanda Abra was recognized for her pioneering work to build and monitor low-cost canopy bridges over Highway BR-174 in the Amazon rainforest, protecting tree-dwelling mammals from road impacts.

Pygmy Slow Lorises Are Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
For the first time, the Small Mammal House is celebrating the birth of two pygmy slow lorises, an endangered species.

Peter Leimgruber Named Director of Conservation and Science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Leimgruber has more than 25 years of experience in developing and managing international conservation programs and partnerships.

Public Can Help Name Cotton-Top Tamarins at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Starting Feb. 5, the public will have an opportunity to vote on names for two cotton-top tamarin sisters.

White-Naped Crane Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
NZCBI staff in Front Royal, Virginia, are mourning the loss of Walnut, a white-naped crane who became an internet sensation for choosing one of her keepers as her mate.

Giant Pandas Depart Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute for China
Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji began their journey to China on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

Oriole Chicks Receive Names Following a Public Vote
The public has voted and now the 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) Bird House have names!

New Technologies Track Prairie Dogs and Map Their Burrows for the First Time
Specialized technologies offer a new perspective into the lives of endangered black-footed ferrets and their prairie dog prey.

Public Can Help Name Orchard Oriole Chicks at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
In a major conservation success, 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Bird House, and the Zoo is seeking the public’s help to name them.

ZooLights Returns Nov. 24 to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Operating Status Update
In the event of a government shutdown on Oct. 1, Smithsonian museums, research centers and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Oct. 7.

Litter of Five Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, are celebrating a litter of five cheetah cubs born to 8-year-old adult female Echo Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Media Advisory: Giant Pandas Celebrate Panda Palooza Beginning September 23
Presentation of panda-friendly fruitsicle cakes to beloved giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji in celebration of Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell event.

Boo at the Zoo Returns Oct. 20, 21 and 22
It’s no trick, only the sweetest treat: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery, is back! The Zoo will be brimming with festive displays and spook-tacular trick-or-treating for this special ticketed event.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo Hosts Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell, Sept. 23 to Oct. 1
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) will celebrate its three giant pandas before the bears depart for China later this year. Visitors are invited to join the Panda Palooza, a nine-day onsite and online series of events.
Zoo Evacuation Aug. 29
The Zoo was temporarily closed due to a bomb threat on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Giant Panda Tian Tian Celebrates Birthday
Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Tian Tian’s 26th birthday with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake.

New Technique Could Facilitate Rapid Cryopreservation of All Coral Species
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) researchers have achieved a breakthrough in the fight to save the world’s coral reefs from climate change annihilation.

Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji Celebrates Third Birthday
This morning, Asia Trail keepers celebrated giant panda Xiao Qi Ji’s third birthday at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.

Media Advisory: Miracle Cub Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji's Birthday Celebration on Aug. 21
The Smithsonian's National Zoo will celebrate "miracle cub" Xiao Qi Ji's 3rd birthday on Monday, Aug. 21.

Giant Panda Celebrates Birthday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., celebrated giant panda Mei Xiang’s 25th birthday.