Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more.
Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected a secondary rise in urinary progestagen levels in the Zoo’s female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) March 30.... read press release
One of the world’s most endangered species—a brown kiwi Apteryx mantelli—hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Bird House, early Tuesday morning, March 30.... read press release
It is a natural explorer in the wild and seems to have an impressive memory. It has eight arms, no spine and its very own Web cam.... read press release
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s rare male clouded leopards Ta Moon (“mischievous child”) and Sa Ming (“brave warrior”) are one year old today!... read press release
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo will continue a Washington tradition that spans more than 100 years by hosting “Easter Monday: An African American Family Tradition”... read press release
At a mere three pounds, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s new giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) doesn’t appear to have earned its name.... read press release
Understanding how to save an animal species from dying out may depend, in part, on understanding the many unique processes that lead to birth.... read press release
On February 22, Kigali—the National Zoo’s 15-year-old female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)—successfully underwent dental surgery for a fractured tooth.... read press release
A clouded leopard at the Smithsonian's National Zoo’s campus in Front Royal, Va., gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs on Valentine’s Day—Sunday, Feb. 14.... read press release
Tai Shan, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo's beloved 4 ½-year-old giant panda, has arrived safely to his new home at Wolong’s Bifengxia Base in Ya’an, Sichuan.... read press release
Tai Shan (tie-SHON), one of the National Zoo’s giant pandas, officially began his journey to China early this morning, leaving the Zoo at 9:04 a.m.... read press release
Last November, the National Zoo accepted 40 endangered Virginia big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) to establish a security population and scientifically develop husband... read press release
Looking for the “wildest” way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank? Attend the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s second annual Woo at the Zoo on Friday, Feb. 12, from 6:00–10:00 p.m.... read press release
Tai Shan (tie-SHON), the National Zoo’s giant panda, will depart for China on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 4. Details will be provided at this press briefing Thursday, Jan.... read press release
The Smithsonian has established a Conservation Biology Institute to serve as an umbrella for its global effort to conserve species and train future generations of conservationists.... read press release