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Beginning Jan. 18, 2022, the Zoo is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last admittance 2:30 p.m.). Select animal buildings remain closed. Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas.

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Press Releases

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
Lesser kudu Shirley (right) with her grandson, Kushukuru (middle), and daughter, Rogue (left).
Oct. 03, 2019
Lesser Kudu Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of a female lesser kudu named Shirley, who died Sept. 28 following complications during the birthing... read press release
Three Bennett's wallabies eating leaves from a branch placed in their yard.
Sep. 23, 2019
Bennett’s Wallaby Euthanized at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Sydney, a 3-year-old Bennett’s wallaby, died Sept. 20 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. read press release
a line graph showing how birds have decreased by over 2.9 million since 1970
Sep. 19, 2019
New Study Finds U.S. and Canada Have Lost More Than One in Four Birds in the Past 50 Years
Data show that since 1970, the U.S. and Canada have lost nearly 3 billion birds, a massive reduction in abundance involving hundreds of species, from beloved backyard songbirds to long-distance... read press release
Mei Xiang sitting in grass eating bamboo.
Sep. 11, 2019
Giant Panda Mei Xiang Is Not Pregnant
Reproductive scientists, veterinarians and animal keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute have determined that giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) will not give... read press release
A clouded leopard cub with a pink nose and spots that look like clouds.
Sep. 10, 2019
First Ever Clouded Leopard Cubs Debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
For the first time, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to rare clouded leopard cubs. The two cubs are the newest residents on the Zoo’s Asia Trail and will make their public debut Wednesday, Sept... read press release
A clouded leopard cub looking into the camera.
Sep. 09, 2019
Clouded Leopard Cub Media Preview
Two rare clouded leopard cubs will make their media debut on Asia Trail. They are the first cubs to ever live at the Zoo.  read press release
Aug. 30, 2019
Fall 2019 Events at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Listed below are events being held at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo from September through December. read press release