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Press Releases

two cheetah cubs lay in hay. they're eyes are not open yet.
Feb. 24, 2020
First Cheetah Cubs Born as Result of Embryo Transfer
Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and the Columbus Zoo have successfully transferred cheetah embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) to a surrogate cheetah... read press release
Three plains zebras stand in tall grasses in Laikipia Kenya. The zebras stand in a line, and rolling hills with trees and buildings can be seen in the background.
Feb. 12, 2020
Growing Livestock Numbers Threaten One of the Last Refuges for Large Wild Herbivores in Kenya
Across Laikipia County in central Kenya, endangered species like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and African wild dog, coexist alongside rapidly growing numbers of people and livestock. A... read press release
White-cheeked gibbon Sydney in his habitat at Gibbon Ridge.
Feb. 11, 2020
White-Cheeked Gibbon Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Primate keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Sydney, a white-cheeked gibbon who was humanely euthanized Feb. 4. He was 20 years old.... read press release
Sloth bear Remi explores her habitat on Asia Trail.
Jan. 29, 2020
Sloth Bears Recognize 2D Images as Representations of 3D Objects Smithsonian’s National Zoo Cognition Study Finds
Given the choice between mealworms and melons, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s sloth bears—6-year-old female Remi and 5-year-old male Niko—will almost always choose the former, even when their diet... read press release
A Mariana crow, a bird with black feathers, perching on a branch.
Jan. 27, 2020
Only Mariana Crow Outside Micronesia Dies at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
An elderly 25-year-old male Mariana crow named Clint was humanely euthanized at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Jan.14. ... read press release
Harbor seal Luke at the American Trail exhibit.
Jan. 24, 2020
Elderly Harbor Seal Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Luke, a male harbor seal who was humanely euthanized Jan. 23. At 35 years old, Luke was considered geriatric for his... read press release
Dave Wildt Portrait
Jan. 16, 2020
David E. Wildt, Renowned Scientist and Conservationist Dies
David E. Wildt, renowned scientist and conservationist died at his home on January 15, 2020. read press release
Bennett's wallaby
Jan. 15, 2020
Supporting Wildlife Affected by Australia's Bushfires
Although we are on the other side of the world, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is committed to protecting species and their habitats, and supporting our fellow zoos... read press release
A southern two-toed sloth with coarse fur, long limbs and curved claws hangs upside-down from a tree branch.
Dec. 23, 2019
New Two-toed Sloth Arrives at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Small Mammal House has a new resident worth slowing down for: Athena, a 1½-year-old female two-toed sloth. read press release...
Scientist looking through a microscope while dehydrating live ovarian tissues.
Dec. 04, 2019
Smithsonian Scientists Dry and Store Live Ovarian Tissues Above Freezing Temperatures for the First Time
Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have preserved complex ovarian tissues in domestic cats above freezing temperatures by dehydrating them with the help of microwaves.... read press release
The main entrance to ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, featuring trees wrapped in holiday lights, light-up pandas and a lit sign that says "ZooLights"
Nov. 22, 2019
Media Advisory | Flip the Switch: ZooLights, Powered by Pepco
Flip the switch event to officially open ZooLights, powered by Pepco, the annual free lights festival at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.  ... read press release
Giant panda Bei Bei leans back in his hammock eating bamboo.
Nov. 19, 2019
Giant Panda Bei Bei Departs Smithsonian’s National Zoo for China
Bei Bei the 4-year-old giant panda, began his journey to China on Nov. 19, 2019. read press release
Entre Les Rangs / City field, a creation by Kanva Architecture, Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal.
Nov. 18, 2019
ZooLights, Powered by Pepco, Begins Nov. 29
ZooLights—powered by Pepco—is bigger, brighter and better than ever this season. Visitors can join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in celebrating the holidays with its annual free lights festival. The... read press release
Giant panda Bei Bei sniffs an elaborate and colorful ice cake with bamboo sticking out from the top
Nov. 16, 2019
Media Advisory: Farewell Celebration for Giant Panda Bei Bei
“Bye Bye, Bei Bei” (BAY-BAY,) a series of online and on-site celebratory events to bid a fond farewell to giant panda Bei Bei before he departs for China.... read press release
Prehensile-tailed porcupette
Nov. 08, 2019
Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
There is a prickle of excitement at Small Mammal House where keepers discovered that Beatrix, a 2-year-old prehensile-tailed porcupine, gave birth to a porcupette.... read press release
Giant panda Bei Bei munches on a stalk of bamboo.
Nov. 07, 2019
Media Advisory: Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Giant Panda Bei Bei Departs for China
Media Advisory: Giant panda Bei Bei departs for China Nov. 19. read press release
An emperor tamarin, a small monkey with a long white mustache, sitting on a branch.
Oct. 29, 2019
New Emperor Tamarins On Exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to two new regally mustachioed monkeys.  read press release
Lesser kudu female Rogue with her newborn male calf behind the scenes at the Zoo’s Cheetah Conservation Station.
Oct. 24, 2019
Lesser Kudu Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a male lesser kudu calf, who was born Oct. 14 to 5-year-old mother Rogue and 9-year-old father... read press release
Giant panda Bei Bei munches on a stalk of bamboo.
Oct. 18, 2019
Giant Panda Bei Bei Moving to China Before the End of the Year
Giant panda Bei Bei will depart the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for China Tuesday, Nov. 19.  read press release
A keeper holds two 11-pound Aldabra tortoises.
Oct. 09, 2019
Two Young Aldabra Tortoises Move to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The newest residents at Reptile Discovery Center are in no rush to grow up. The two 5-year-old Aldabra tortoises debuted in late September.... read press release