Press Release Archive
An archive of press releases from Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Smithsonian and Partners Pioneer Method to Boost Endangered Coral Populations Separated by Vast Distances
Smithsonian scientists and partners in Florida and Curaçao have become the first to use cryopreserved (frozen) coral sperm to support gene migration of coral populations that would otherwise remain geographically and genetically isolated.
Red Panda Dies at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Carnivore keepers at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) are mourning the loss of Henry, a 4-year-old male red panda, who died overnight Dec. 5.
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Smithsonian’s National Zoo Will Host GRUMP, a Holiday Market
Smithsonian’s National Zoo visitors will have the opportunity to find gifts for family and friends at GRUMP, a European-style outdoor market, Dec. 7, 8 and 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during ZooLights, powered by Pepco.
ZooLights, Powered by Pepco, Begins Nov. 23 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
ZooLights, powered by Pepco, is bigger and brighter than ever this season! Celebrate the holidays at this annual free lights festival at the Zoo.
Endangered Eld’s Deer Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, welcomed a new fawn to its herd of endangered Eld’s deer Oct. 26.
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and American Prairie Reserve Collaborate to Restore America’s Wild Prairie
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and American Prairie Reserve are collaborating to protect and restore one of North America’s greatest treasures — the prairie.
Scientists Freeze and Thaw Coral Larvae for the First Time
For the first time, scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have successfully cryopreserved (or frozen) and thawed coral larvae from the mushroom coral.
New Smithsonian Study Links Declines in Suburban Backyard Birds to Presence of Nonnative Plants
Insect-eating birds that depend on high-calorie, high-protein cuisine (namely caterpillars and spiders) to feed their young are finding the menu severely lacking in backyards landscaped with even a small proportion of nonnative plants, according to a new study from SCBI.
Dama Gazelle Calf Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Just one month after welcoming a male Dama gazelle calf, Cheetah Conservation Station keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo once again welcomed a new member to the herd. A female calf was born in an off-exhibit enclosure the morning of Oct. 9 to 9-year-old mother Fahima and 4-year-old father...
Three Cheetah Cubs Born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) welcomed a litter of three cheetah cubs Sept. 22. The cubs were born to first-time mother, Sukiri.
Elderly White-Cheeked Gibbon Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Primate keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Muneca, a white-cheeked gibbon who was humanely euthanized this morning.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Receives Accreditation From Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has been awarded a five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The accreditation certifies that the Zoo has met or exceeded the AZA’s standards for animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and...
THE BUZZ–Me and the Bee Playground Now Open at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is buzzing over a new pollinator-themed playground: Me and the Bee, sponsored by Land O’Lakes Inc. Adjacent to the Kids’ Farm and Conservation Pavilion, Me and the Bee encompasses 4,900 square feet of space where children of all ages can climb atop honeycomb steps...
Steven Monfort Named Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Steven Monfort has been named the John and Adrienne Mars Director, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, effective Sept. 17.
Pollinator Public Art Initiative Takes Flight at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The façade of the Great Ape House is getting a “bee-autiful” makeover. Beginning Sept. 17, artist Matthew Willey will put paint to the popular primate exhibit, creating a larger-than-life swarm of honeybees to highlight the importance of pollinator conservation.
Dama Gazelle Calf Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers are celebrating the birth of a critically endangered Dama gazelle.
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.
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 convene to discuss the management of the high seas beyond national jurisdiction and opportunities for...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 care staff estimated Alex to be about 100 years old.
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.