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

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Receives Accreditation From Association of Zoos and Aquariums ›
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has been awarded a five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

David Rubenstein Donates $10 Million to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Giant Panda Program ›
David M. Rubenstein has pledged $10 million toward the Zoo’s $25 million campaign to fund the giant panda conservation program.

Study Finds Salamanders Are Surprisingly Abundant in Northeastern Forests ›
A recently published study sheds light on the ecological importance of red-backed salamanders in the northeastern United States. The article, published in the journal Biology Letters, revealed the amphibians’ densities and biomass across the region were much higher than expected, with a great...

Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo Return This October ›
It’s no trick, only the sweetest treat: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery, and the Zoo’s 21+ spooktacular cocktail party, Night of the Living Zoo, are back at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Scientists Devise Method to Secure Earth’s Biodiversity on the Moon ›
Smithsonian scientists are exploring a radical effort to preserve and safeguard biological samples from important and at-risk species inside the cold craters of the Moon.

Smithsonian Scientist Wins Prestigious Frontiers Planet Prize for Work on European Freshwater Biodiversity ›
Smithsonian ecologist Ellen Welti was awarded the Frontiers Planet Prize for her work on the halted recovery of European freshwater biodiversity.

New Initiative Explores Innovative Financing Solutions for Co-Management of Ecosystems and Public Health in Africa ›
A groundbreaking new initiative will address the question of how improvements in the environment and health are financed in 21st-century African landscapes.

Sea Lion Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
Staff are mourning the loss of the 19-year-old female California sea lion, who was euthanized June 27.

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.