Press Release Archive

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo humanely euthanized Zora, a 7-year-old bison, earlier today.

Scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and the Columbus Zoo have successfully transferred cheetah embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) to a surrogate cheetah mom for the first time.

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...

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.

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...

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

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 died at his home on January 15, 2020.

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.

The Small Mammal House has a new resident worth slowing down for: Athena, a 1½-year-old female two-toed sloth.

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.

Flip the switch event to officially open ZooLights, powered by Pepco, the annual free lights festival at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

Bei Bei the 4-year-old giant panda, began his journey to China on Nov. 19, 2019.

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)...

“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.

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: Giant panda Bei Bei departs for China Nov. 19.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to two new regally mustachioed monkeys.

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 will depart the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for China Tuesday, Nov. 19.

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.

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.

Sydney, a 3-year-old Bennett’s wallaby, died Sept. 20 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

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.