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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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, 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.

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.

It’s a Boy!
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s 6-week-old giant panda cub is a male, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists confirmed. During the cub’s first veterinary exam Sept. 19, Zoo veterinarians obtained a swab from his cheek for DNA analysis to determine the cub’s sex.

Tribes Begin Five-Year Swift Fox Reintroduction at Fort Belknap
After an absence of more than 50 years, the swift fox has returned to the grasslands of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana.

Media Advisory: Giant Panda Cub Birth Interviews at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Smithsonian’s National Zoo staff will be available to discuss the recent giant panda cub birth.

Giant Panda Cub Born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) gave birth to a cub at Smithsonian’s National Zoo today, Aug. 21 at 6:35 p.m.

Genomic Analysis Reveals Many Animal Species May Be Vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
A new genomic study ranks the potential of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to bind to the ACE2 receptor site in 410 vertebrate animals. Old World primates and great apes, which have identical amino acids at the binding site as humans, are predicted to have a very high propensity for binding ACE2 and...

Tracking Technology Exposes Secretive Long-distance Movement of Kirtland’s Warblers
State-of-the-art tracking technology reveals previously unknown long-distance movements of Kirtland’s warblers during the mating season that have important conservation implications for North American birds.

Veterinarians Find Fetal Tissue on Giant Panda Ultrasound
Veterinarians at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected tissue consistent with fetal development during Mei Xiang’s ultrasound this morning, Aug. 14.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and JumpStart Games Launch “Zoo Guardians” Mobile Game
The furry, feathered and scaly world of zoos, animal care and conservation comes to life in “Zoo Guardians,” a new mobile game launched today. Players are invited to build their own zoos, care for animals, complete quests and interact with realistic 3D representations of wildlife via augmented...