Press Release Archive
An archive of press releases from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
![a black-footed ferret kit sits curled up in the gloved hand of a keeper](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/bff-kit.jpg?itok=qdBZY0eJ)
Public Invited To Name Black-Footed Ferret Kits at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute invites the public to help name three black-footed ferret kits—one female and two males—born May 19 at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. Voting for the names starts Tuesday, July 20, at 10...
![coral reef](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/m._flabellata-5-1400x700.jpg?itok=aeuJQu_R)
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Scientists Find Corals’ Natural “Sunscreen” May Help Them Weather Climate Change
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists are one step closer to understanding why some corals can weather climate change better than others, and the secret could be in a specific protein that produces a natural sunscreen.
![Animal care staff at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute are welcoming a litter of endangered black-footed ferret kits today. This still from the black-footed ferret webcam shows three-year-old female Potpie with a kit born May 19 at 3:41 p.m. Black-footed ferret mom Potpie and her newborn kit on the Black-footed Ferret Cam livestream](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/microsoftteams-image_2.png?itok=Iyfqxh7H)
Black-Footed Ferrets Are Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, are welcoming a litter of endangered black-footed ferret kits. Three-year-old female Potpie has birthed one kit already, which was born at 3:41 p.m. and can be viewed via the Black-Footed Ferret Cam.
New Model for Infectious Disease Could Better Predict Future Pandemics
In new study, Smithsonian scientists and partners provide a framework for a new approach to modeling infectious diseases. It adapts established methods developed to study the planet’s natural systems, including climate change, ocean circulation and forest growth, and applies them to parasites and...
![Photo of a young lion cub crawling over its father's head. The adult looks annoyed.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/20110318-174DH-web.png?itok=bgQHSa1a)
What’s New at Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Giant Panda Viewing Details
When visitors return to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute May 21, they will find both familiar and new faces as they explore the park.
![First photograph of Bornean Rajah scops owl in the wild.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/bornean-rajah-scops-owl-1400x700.jpg?itok=6-tHHeRW)
Bornean Rajah Scops Owl Rediscovered After 125 Years
The Bornean subspecies of Rajah scops owl ( Otus brookii brookii), documented in the wild for the first time since 1892, may be its own unique species and deserving of a conservation designation. Published April 28, in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center ecologist...
Male Lesser Kudu Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a male lesser kudu calf, who was born Mar. 29 to 7-year-old mother Rogue and 10-year-old father Garrett.
![The Smithsonian's National Zoo reopened on July 24. The Smithsonian's National Zoo reopened on July 24.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/2020-00103_copy.jpg?itok=HymgqURX)
Smithsonian To Reopen Seven Museums and the National Zoo in May
The Smithsonian will reopen eight of its facilities to the public in May, starting with the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, Wednesday, May 5. Additional museums and the National Zoo will open Friday, May 14, and Friday, May 21.
![A lantern fly with a big body and large, patterned wings held in a researcher's hands](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/machacalantern-1400x700.jpg?itok=lBI87B7L)
Smithsonian Scientists Discover the Key To Mitigating Impact of Artificial Light at Night in Tropical Forests
Artificial light at night is a major factor in global insect decline. Smithsonian scientists and partners found that using amber-colored filters to remove the blue spectra of light from “warm white” LED (light-emitting diode) lamps drastically reduces insect attraction to nocturnal lighting in a...
![Cheetah Justin (nicknamed "Gat") lays in the grass at the Cheetah Conservation Station.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2017.08.09-03gilmyers.jpg?itok=xh3nIvw9)
Male Cheetah Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Justin (nicknamed “Gat”), a male cheetah who died unexpectedly following a brief illness. Gat was 8 years old.
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and Friends of the National Zoo Dissolve Formal Partnership
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZP/SCBI) and the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), an independent nonprofit organization, announce the dissolution of their partnership. For nearly 63 years, FONZ has been a valued partner of the National Zoo, with a team...
Mysteries of Common Nighthawk Migration Unlocked Using GPS Tracking
A new study led by Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and University of Alberta biologists has created a comprehensive picture of the 10,000 kilometer migratory route of common nighthawks using GPS data. The study, published Feb. 2 in Ecography, is the first step in analyzing where and why nighthawk...
Snow Day: Smithsonian's National Zoo
As snow blanketed the Washington, D.C., region Jan. 31, 2021, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's animals woke up to a winter wonderland.
![Dama gazelle Adara at the Cheetah Conservation Station.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/dsc_0140.jpg?itok=gS4hiFWC)
Elderly Dama Gazelle Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Adara, a female dama gazelle who was humanely euthanized Dec. 7. She was 14 years old.
![Two giant pandas, a female named Mei Xiang and a male named Tian Tian, sit side by side in the snow eating bamboo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20050224-624ab_1400x700.jpg?itok=LW3lz6xi)
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Extends Giant Panda Agreement
Giant pandas, icons and ambassadors for the efforts to save the species in Washington, D.C., since 1972, will continue to live at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo through the end of 2023.
![The Smithsonian's National Zoo's 3-month-old giant panda cub (Nov. 18, 2020).](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20201118_roshanpatel001.jpg?itok=rmZotJCe)
His Name Is Xiao Qi Ji
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s 3-month-old giant panda cub received his name today. After five days of voting and just under 135,000 votes, the winning name is Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji), which translates as “little miracle” in English.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/zoo-entrance.jpg?itok=ZgrQjvMN)
COVID Closure: A Note from the Director of the Zoo
A note from the Zoo's Director, Steve Monfort, on the closing of the Zoo.
Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo To Close Nov. 23
Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, all Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, Nov. 23. This will impact the eight Smithsonian facilities in the Washington, D.C., region that had...
![two poisonous crested rats touch nose-to-nose](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/rat_pair-do-not-own.jpg?itok=g74vY9Vt)
The Secret Social Lives of Giant Poisonous Rats
The African crested rat's fur is packed with a poison so lethal it can fell an elephant, and just a few milligrams can kill a human. Researchers found that it's the only mammal known to sequester plant toxins for chemical defense, and they uncovered its unexpected social life.
![Giant panda cub](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20201021-dscf2931-005rp.jpg?itok=BvsGIjYV)
Public Can Vote To Name Smithsonian’s National Zoo Giant Panda Cub
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is asking the public to help name the male giant panda cub, now 9.2 pounds of adorable, at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.
![ZooLights Express flatbed truck with holiday sparkle](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/zoolights_express_v3.jpg?itok=oTTSO74y)
ZooLights Express, Powered by Pepco, Brings Eight Nights of Holiday Sparkle to Washington, D.C. Wards
ZooLights Express—powered by Pepco—will bring the colorful glow of Washington, D.C.’s beloved Smithsonian’s National Zoo holiday tradition into the community beginning Nov. 27. Festively decorated with light displays and featuring “Panda Claws,” the 24-foot ZooLights Express truck will hit the road...
Giant Panda Cub Xiao Qi Ji Media Resources
Find comprehensive resources for media on the giant panda cub.
Elderly Gray Wolf Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Coby, a female gray wolf who was humanely euthanized Sept. 30. At 16 years old, Coby was considered geriatric for her species.
![Sand cat Thor lived at the Small Mammal House.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20130421_sandcat_thor_clydenishimura.jpg?itok=IyzawZa6)
Elderly Sand Cat Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Small Mammal House keepers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Thor, an elderly male sand cat who was humanely euthanized Sept. 29 due to a recent and irreversible decline in health. He was 14 years old.