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Press Releases

Students posing wearing protective clothing wildlife scientists studying zoonotic diseases wear in the field.
Sep. 06, 2018
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Open to the Public for Conservation Discovery Day
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will host a day of science-filled activities for college and high school-aged students Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m... read press release
A Laysan albatross wearing a GPS device.
Sep. 03, 2018
Smithsonian and Partners Map Extensive Transnational and High-Seas Travels of Migratory Marine Animals
Nearly 50 percent of the planet is covered by the high seas, referred to as the “Wild West” of the ocean and among the least protected areas in the world. In September, the United Nations will... read press release
A nearly hairless rodent, called a naked mole-rat, eating a piece of tomato
Aug. 27, 2018
Nudist Colony Opening at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
A new naked mole-rat exhibit featuring a colony of 17 of the “nude” rodents at the Small Mammal House will open Sept 1.  read press... read press release
Giant panda Bei Bei eats a piece of bamboo from a decorative ice cake he received for his third birthday.
Aug. 22, 2018
Smithsonian's National Zoo Celebrates Giant Panda Bei Bei's Third Birthday
Giant panda Bei Bei celebrated his third birthday Aug. 22 with a special ice cake. read press release
Indigo bunting chicks hatch for the first time in a North American zoo.
Aug. 15, 2018
Two Indigo Buntings Hatch at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bird House keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the hatching of two indigo bunting chicks—a first for the Zoo and the North American population in human care.... read press release
A Przewalski's horse colt.
Aug. 14, 2018
Endangered Przewalski’s Horse Colts Receive Names
A public vote decided the names of three endangered Przewalski’s (sha-VAL-ski) horse colts at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia.... read press release
Aldabra Tortoise eating grass.
Aug. 10, 2018
Elderly Aldabra Tortoise Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Reptile Discovery Center staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Alex, an elderly male Aldabra tortoise who was humanely euthanized Aug. 7. At the time of his death, animal... read press release
Emu Darwin
Aug. 08, 2018
Elderly Emu Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Bird House staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Darwin, an elderly male emu who was humanely euthanized Aug. 3. ... read press release
A male lion with large paws, a long tail and a thick mane plays with a large boomer ball in an outdoor exhibit
Aug. 07, 2018
Summer and Fall Events at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Check out the events at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Aug. 25 through Oct. 6, 2018. ... read press release
Four Przewalski's horse foals at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Aug. 06, 2018
Four Endangered Przewalski’s Horse Foals Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Four endangered Przewalski’s (sha-VAL-ski) horse foals were born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute between March and June. SCBI is asking the public to help name the three colts.... read press release
Cheetah cubs in their yard at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Jul. 20, 2018
Seven Cheetah Cubs Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute welcomed a litter of seven chirping cheetah cubs July 9. The cubs appear to be healthy and doing well.... read press release
Jul. 18, 2018
Perimeter Fencing and Security Plan
The safety and security of the visitors, staff and animals are the No. 1 priority at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The Zoo will host a public meeting on Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m.... read press release
Oryx calf born via artificial insemination July 2018.
Jul. 10, 2018
Critically Endangered Scimitar-horned Oryx Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
A scimitar-horned oryx calf was born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, June 30. The calf was conceived by artificial insemination with sperm that was... read press release
Rose Marie, a Przewalski's horse at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Jul. 06, 2018
Elderly Przewalski’s Horse Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Rose Marie, a 31-year-old Przewalski’s horse at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, was humanely euthanized July 6, due to her declining health and quality of life. She was one of the oldest Przewalski’s... read press release
Mei Xiang
Jul. 05, 2018
Giant Panda Mei Xiang Will Not Give Birth
A team of 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... read press release
A herd of wildebeests stands in tall grass
Jul. 05, 2018
Smithsonian Scientists Discover Male Rutting Calls Increase Female Ovulation and Synchronize Reproduction in Serengeti Wildebeests
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists have provided the first experimental evidence that male western white-bearded wildebeests’ rutting vocalizations are a key driver of the tightly... read press release
Scientists from Smithsonian's Global Health Program taking samples from a bumble bee bat in Myanmar.
Jul. 03, 2018
New Virus Discovered in Myanmar by Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's Global Health Program
Smithsonian and University of California, Davis scientists and partners have discovered a new coronavirus in a species of bat in Myanmar as part of routine surveillance for the PREDICT project,... read press release
Jul. 03, 2018
Golden Lion Tamarin Infant Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
One of the golden lion tamarin infants born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo last week died this morning, July 3. It appears that the infant fell off one of its parents this morning. ... read press release
Izzy, a golden lion tamarin resting with her two infants.
Jul. 02, 2018
Two Golden Lion Tamarins Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is celebrating the birth of two endangered golden lion tamarins. The monkeys were born June 29 to first-time parents Mo and Izzy and appear to be healthy. ... read press release
Guam kingfisher chick one day after hatching.
May. 31, 2018
Extinct-in-the-Wild Bird Hatches at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
A female Guam kingfisher, one of the planet's most endangered bird species, hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute on May 17.... read press release