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

Cuban Crocodile Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›
A 10-year-old male Cuban crocodile at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) has died.

New Mother and Daughter Asian Elephants On View at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›
Two new female Asian elephants, 19-year-old Trong Nhi (trong-nEE) and her daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh (nEE-lin), are now on public view at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., having completed quarantine following their Nov. 7 arrival...

ZooLights, Powered by Pepco, Returns Nov. 25 ›
Washington D.C.’s beloved free, family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, powered by Pepco, returns to brighten the season at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The Zoo will be illuminated for 22 select nights—from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. Read on...

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 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.

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.

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...

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.