Press Release Archive
An archive of press releases from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
![Asian elephants Trong Nhi (left) and Nhi Linh (right) at Rotterdam Zoo.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20221013-nr388503-elephant-trong-nhi-linh-teaser.jpg?itok=AxzG3gzR)
Two Female Asian Elephants Welcomed to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute community is celebrating the arrival two female Asian elephants, 19-year-old Trong Nhi and her daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh, to Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Bird Expert Testimony on Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act of 2022
Read curator of birds, Sara Hallager's testimony on Bill 24-710 before the Washington, D.C., City Council.
![African lion Luke in his outdoor habitat at the Great Cats exhibit.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/african-lion-luke-web-teaser.jpg?itok=vgszt6sm)
African Lion Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Luke, an African lion who was humanely euthanized Oct. 19. He was 17 years old.
![A small, blue and yellow bird, called a Kirtland's warbler, held in a researcher's hand](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/kirtlands-warbler_02.jpg?itok=hy7uOZfn)
2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report Reveals Widespread Losses of Birds in All Habitats–Except for One
A newly released State of the Birds report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire.
![Momma cat with two itty bitty kitties in a straw-floored grotto](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/yard_1_den_1-2022-10-04_08h13min00s000ms.00_02_13_01.still006-teaser.jpg?itok=XGXlZlxq)
Cheetah Cubs Are Born at Front Royal Campus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a litter of two cheetah cubs. First-time mother, 4-year-old female Amani, birthed the cubs Oct. 3 around 9:17 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. ET. They appear to be strong, active, vocalizing and nursing well. Animal care staff are closely monitoring Amani and...
![two swift fox cubs sit in tall green grasses on the prairie](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20220623-817a6923-004rp_1400x700.png?itok=zUIY-b3v)
Tribes Successful with Swift Fox Reintroduction Program at Fort Belknap
The Fort Belknap Indian Community commemorated three years of its swift fox recovery program with the release of three swift foxes on Tribal lands, bringing the total to 103 recovered back to these prairie grasslands.
![a female lion walks through green grass](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20180803-5670cw_1400x700.png?itok=8qX_BbjO)
Lion Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are grieving the loss of Nababiep, a female African lion affectionately called Naba, who was humanely euthanized Sept. 26. She was 18 years old.
![Sea lion Calli sits atop the rockwork of her habitat, in front of a pool of water.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20211215-rebeccasturniolo-001-sea-lion-calli-teaser.jpg?itok=sDTGBbjo)
Sea Lion Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Staff are mourning the loss of Calli, a 17-year-old female California sea lion, who died Sept. 7.
![The homepage of the Bird Migration Explorer showing a map of North America with buttons and toggle buttons](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/bme_intro_screen_1400x700.png?itok=wTXM272P)
First-of-its-Kind Digital Platform Reveals Migration Data for Birds Across the Western Hemisphere Just in Time for Fall Migration
The Bird Migration Explorer, a state-of-the-art digital platform, allows users to see the most complete data collected on migratory species in their neighborhoods and where those birds go throughout the year.
![Armadillo wearing a pretend Halloween giant panda mask in advertisement for Boo at the Zoo event.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/booteaser.png?itok=ooz-CqQm)
Boo at the Zoo Is Back Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Not a trick, only the sweetest treat: Boo at the Zoo, the beloved family-friendly Halloween event at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery, is back Oct. 28, 29 and 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
![A female blue-billed curassow chick named Aluna hatched Aug. 5, 2022 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20220807-heatheranderson-003-teaser.jpg?itok=AN4cUEnd)
Two Critically Endangered Blue-Billed Curassows Hatch at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
For the first time, Bird House keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the hatching of two critically endangered blue-billed curassows.
![The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute celebrated giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s (SHIAU-chi-ji) second birthday on Saturday, Aug. 21. Giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji approaches an ice cake with a giant red 2 in front and bamboo coming out the back. The cake is sitting in the outdoor yard on a rock formation. Xiao Qi Ji's nose is inches away from the cake. There are decorated boxes behind him](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/dsc09511.jpg?itok=G-3pO-xd)
Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji Celebrates Second Birthday at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
This morning, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute celebrated giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s second birthday.
![Two pandas eating sitting on a rock formation eat an ice cake with bamboo and the number 50.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/slideshow/gp50-pandas-eating-cake-1400x700.jpg?itok=qzrlz1Xy)
Media Advisory: Giant Panda Xiao Qi Ji’s Second Birthday Celebration Aug. 21
The Zoo’s giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji, will celebrate his second birthday Aug. 21 with a specially tailored fruitsicle cake.
![two tree trunks extend into a blue sky. green leaves surround the branches.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/slideshow/potential_cover_image_2021-11-18307a_2_0.jpg?itok=eGFYRwD0)
New Research Reveals Forest Mitigation of Climate Change Is Overestimated
In recent decades, global forest tree growth has dramatically slowed the pace of atmospheric carbon dioxide accumulation and climate change.
Brew at the Zoo Returns Sept. 8 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
On Thursday, Sept. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., raise your glass for conservation and enjoy unlimited tastings from more than 45 breweries and cideries.
![Juvenile sea urchin against a black background. It has light, mottled coloration and short spines jutting out from its spherical center.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/lab-grown-sea-urchin-teaser.jpg?itok=CfT0tWGU)
Tropical Sea Urchin Is Grown in Lab for First Time
For the first time, a tropical sea urchin — a species intrinsically linked to the long-term health and survival of coral reefs — was grown successfully from cryopreserved embryos.
![A close-up of a hereford cow standing in a snowy outdoor yard](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/photo-jan-04-11-14-31-am.jpg?itok=bAiYIFq4)
Hereford Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Kids’ Farm keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Rose—a 19-year-old female Hereford who was humanely euthanized July 25.
Smithsonian Statement: WordFly Data Security Incident
We want to let you know about an incident that occurred at a company that we use to send email communications to our community about our programs and events. The company, WordFly, was the victim of a ransomware attack.
![White-naped crane chick receives a meal worm from its parent.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20220608-chriscrowe-019-whooping-crane-chick-teaser_1.jpg?itok=Hqvg8GuO)
First Whooping Crane Hatches at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
For the first time, a whooping crane—one of the most endangered species of crane in the world —hatched May 26 and is thriving at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia.
![A binturong stands on a wooden elevated platform. There is mesh and leafy green trees in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20220516-103sb_webteaser.jpg?itok=idjszWCF)
Claws and Paws Pathway Opens at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Prowl the new Claws & Paws Pathway exhibit opening to the public Friday, May 27. Visitors will encounter a North American porcupine, bobcats and the Zoo’s newest residents — binturongs and Pallas’s cats.
![A flock of flamingos stands on sandy ground next to a pool of water. Their enclosure is seen behind them with mesh fencing.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/flamingo.00_00_00_21.still001-1400x700.jpg?itok=O7JCl2q8)
Tragic Loss of Animal Life at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are devastated and mourning the loss of 25 American flamingos and one Northern pintail duck killed by a fox yesterday in the Zoo’s outdoor flamingo habitat.
![Lesser kudu calves laying down next to each other.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20220314-gilmyers-001-teaser.jpg?itok=EIeRDSEf)
Lesser Kudu Calves and a Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin Are Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are rejoicing in the birth of two lesser kudu calves. For the second time in 6 months, Small Mammal House keepers are celebrating the birth of a golden-headed lion tamarin.
![Two pandas eating sitting on a rock formation eat an ice cake with bamboo and the number 50.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/slideshow/gp50-pandas-eating-cake-1400x700.jpg?itok=qzrlz1Xy)
Giant Pandas Celebrate 50th Anniversary of the Giant Panda Program At Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
To commemorate 50 years of unprecedented achievement in the care, conservation, breeding and study of giant pandas, the Smithsonian's National Zoo’s in-residence giant panda family—Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and cub Xiao Qi Ji received specially tailored fruitsicle cakes in honor of the “pandaversary.”
Media Advisory: Giant Panda 50th Anniversary Celebration April 16 and 17
Presentation of panda-friendly fruitsicle cakes to giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji, his mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian.