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Press Releases

The main entrance to ZooLights at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, featuring trees wrapped in holiday lights, light-up pandas and a lit sign that says "ZooLights"
Nov. 08, 2018
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.... read press release
Eld's deer fawn
Nov. 07, 2018
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.... read press release
Two bison -- large mammals with thick fur coats, rounded sharp horns, big heads and large shoulder humps -- walk through tall grass at sunset
Nov. 01, 2018
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.... read press release
Confocal images of a Day 3 larvae showing fluorescence from GFP (left) and distribution of DyLight-coated gold nanorod particles surrounding the larva in cryoprotectant (right).
Oct. 24, 2018
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.... read press release
A small bird with black, white and gray feathers, called a Carolina chickadee, holds a green caterpillar in its beak
Oct. 22, 2018
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... read press release
Dama gazelle Fahima and her female calf, born Oct. 9.
Oct. 16, 2018
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... read press release
Cheetah Sukiri's three cubs in their den at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Oct. 01, 2018
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.... read press release
White-cheeked gibbon Muneca
Sep. 28, 2018
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.... read press release
Sep. 24, 2018
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... read press release
Child on bee at Me and The Bee playground
Sep. 19, 2018
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... read press release
A professional head shot of Steven Monfort, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Sep. 19, 2018
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.... read press release
The Good of The Hive artist Matthew Willey
Sep. 17, 2018
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... read press release
A zookeeper holds a newborn dama gazelle calf at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Sep. 13, 2018
Dama Gazelle Calf Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Cheetah Conservation Station keepers are celebrating the birth of a critically endangered Dama gazelle. read press release
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