Press Release Archive
An archive of press releases from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Two Dama Gazelle Calves Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Cheetah Conservation Station at the Smithsonian's National Zoo is celebrating a baby boom of critically endangered dama gazelles. Three calves were born Aug. 30, Sept. 16 and Sept. 18 to mothers Adara, Fahima and Zafirah, respectively.
Giant Panda Mei Xiang Is Not Pregnant
The giant panda team at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has determined that Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) will not give birth this year.
Smithsonian Scientists Publish First Book on the Genetic Management of Fragmented Species Populations
On Sept. 13, Smithsonian scientists and partners published a groundbreaking new book, "Genetic Management of Fragmented Animal and Plant Populations," which addresses one of today's greatest conservation challenges.
Zoo’s Tiger Cub Transferred to San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo transported its 9-week-old male Sumatran tiger cub to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where he will live and thrive with another young male tiger cub.
Fall Events at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is hosting Enrichment Day Sept. 16, ZooFiesta Sept. 24 and Conservation Discovery Day Oct. 7.
Dama Gazelle Calf Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
After a five-year hiatus, Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a critically endangered dama gazelle. The male calf was born in an off-exhibit enclosure Aug. 30.
ZooLights, Powered by Pepco, Returns to Smithsonian’s National Zoo
ZooLights—powered by Pepco—at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is wilder than ever and a perfect holiday event for everyone in the family. Now in its 11th year, the annual free lights festival twinkles from Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, 2018 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
First-ever Screaming Hairy Armadillo Pups Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomed two screaming hairy armadillo pups Aug. 11. The pups are the first ever born at the Zoo.
Bei Bei Celebrates His Second Birthday at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Giant panda Bei Bei celebrated his second birthday Aug. 22, with a panda friendly cake made by the Smithsonian's National Zoo's department of nutrition.
Endangered Przewalski’s Horse Dies at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Maja, a 13-year-old Przewalski’s horse, was humanely euthanized at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Aug. 13, for renal failure.
Elderly Red-Fronted Lemur Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Primate keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Red Oak, a red-fronted lemur who was humanely euthanized Aug. 9.
Endangered Kiwi Chick Hatches at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
An endangered brown kiwi chick kicked her way out of her egg at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia, between Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30.
Smithsonian Scientists Develop Free Tool To Better Understand How Animals Use Their Home Ranges
All across the world, scientists are tracking the movements of animals, collecting considerable data to better understand how animals migrate, what paths they take and what threats they may face along the way. A new statistical model from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and...
Smithsonian’s National Zoo Sumatran Tiger Cub Update
As the world prepares to celebrate Global Tiger Day this Saturday, July 29, Great Cats keepers have some big news to share about the 2-week-old Sumatran tiger cub in their care: it appears to be a boy!
Elderly Przewalski’s Horse Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Minnesota, a Przewalski’s horse who was humanely euthanized yesterday morning.
Holstein Cow Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Kids’ Farm keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Tulip, a 13-year-old Holstein cow who was humanely euthanized July 24.
Three Endangered Red Panda Cubs Born at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Two litters of red panda cubs were born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute last month within days of each other.
Smithsonian Scientist and Partners Revolutionize Vital Conservation Tool With Use of Gold Nanotechnology and Lasers
A new cryopreservation study has sweeping implications for wildlife conservation and human health. In a paper published July 13 in ACS Nano, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and University of Minnesota provide the first-ever reproducible evidence for the successful cryopreservation of...
Sumatran Tiger Cub Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Great Cats keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a Sumatran tiger, a critically endangered species. The cub’s mother, 8-year-old Damai, gave birth at 4:17 p.m. on July 11.
Red Panda and Dama Gazelle Die at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
An adult female red panda and an adult female dama gazelle died at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute during the past week. Both deaths were the result of natural causes.
Scimitar-horned Oryx Humanely Euthanized
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) humanely euthanized a X-year-old female scimitar-horned oryx, named Jenna, on June 18.
Critically Endangered Bourret’s Box Turtles Hatch at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating a conservation success five years in the making: a pair of Bourret’s box turtle hatchlings.
Natural Canopy Bridges Maintain Vital Connections for Arboreal Mammals in Fragmented Forests
In the largest camera-trap study ever conducted in a forest canopy, Smithsonian scientists and partners found that tree-dwelling mammals were willing to travel using intentionally preserved natural bridges.
Harrison Ford and Betty White To Receive Medals From Smithsonian
The James Smithson Bicentennial Medal will be presented Sept. 28 to Harrison Ford and Betty White to honor their commitment to wildlife and efforts to create a sustainable planet. The medals will be presented by Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation...