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

Growing Livestock Numbers Threaten One of the Last Refuges for Large Wild Herbivores in Kenya
Across Laikipia County in central Kenya, endangered species like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and African wild dog, coexist alongside rapidly growing numbers of people and livestock. A study published this month reveals that whether wild herbivore species thrive or decline in Laikipia is...

White-Cheeked Gibbon Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Primate keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Sydney, a white-cheeked gibbon who was humanely euthanized Feb. 4. He was 20 years old.

Sloth Bears Recognize 2D Images as Representations of 3D Objects Smithsonian’s National Zoo Cognition Study Finds
Given the choice between mealworms and melons, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s sloth bears—6-year-old female Remi and 5-year-old male Niko—will almost always choose the former, even when their diet is presented to them in the form of a photo. Animal keepers at the Zoo’s Asia Trail exhibit are the...

Only Mariana Crow Outside Micronesia Dies at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
An elderly 25-year-old male Mariana crow named Clint was humanely euthanized at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Jan.14.

Elderly Harbor Seal Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Luke, a male harbor seal who was humanely euthanized Jan. 23. At 35 years old, Luke was considered geriatric for his species.

David E. Wildt, Renowned Scientist and Conservationist Dies
David E. Wildt, renowned scientist and conservationist died at his home on January 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 as they respond to ecological crises.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Zoo will be illuminated for 31 nights—from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, 2020 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)...

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.

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.
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.

New Emperor Tamarins On Exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to two new regally mustachioed monkeys.

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 Garrett.

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.
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.
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 process.
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.
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 migrants.
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 birth this year.
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. 11.