Newsroom

Find press releases, contact info and more

Contact the Media Relations Staff

Email or call to arrange an interview, request photos or video, or get information about our animals and research:

ZooSCBICommunications@si.edu 
(202) 633-3055

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Mailing Addresses

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 5516
Washington, DC 20013

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
1500 Remount Road
Front Royal, VA 22630

Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

Panda Photos and Videos

The Zoo is home to two world-famous pandas who are symbols of conservation. View and download a gallery of Qing Bao and Bao Li media files.

Panda Program Media Resources

For five decades, the Smithsonian has worked with colleagues in China to advance giant panda conservation. Get in-depth details about the Zoo's giant panda program.

Press Releases

February 05, 2025

Zoo Mourns Loss of Komodo Dragon

Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.

February 03, 2025

Zoo Mourns Gray Seal Gunther

American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Gunther, a 33-year-old male gray seal who died Jan. 18.

January 28, 2025

New Tech to Aid Endangered Ferret

Tiny tracking devices are being used by researchers to monitor the behavior and movements of black-footed ferrets that were reintroduced into the wild.

January 24, 2025

Two New Giant Pandas Debut

Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today.

January 22, 2025

Zoo Mourns Bornean Orangutan Kyle

Primate staff are mourning the loss of Kyle, a 28-year-old male Bornean orangutan who died Jan. 10.

January 10, 2025

Giant Pandas Debut Jan. 24

On Jan. 24, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

December 20, 2024

Status During Government Shutdown

In the event of a government shutdown, our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Thursday, Dec. 26. Please note that we are closed...

November 15, 2024

Giant Panda Media Gallery

The Zoo is home to two world-famous pandas who are symbols of conservation. View and download a gallery of Qing Bao and Bao Li images and video files.

Conservation and Science Impact Report

The heart of our mission is to help build a more sustainable future for people, for wildlife and for nature. This annual report about our conservation programs highlights our work in action.


Filming and Photography

Filming at the Zoo

Get information about on-site filming at the Zoo in Washington D.C., or the Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.

B-Roll YouTube Playlist

Browse a comprehensive playlist with footage and video clips on the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's YouTube channel.

Recent Animal Stories

March 07, 2025

Get to Know the Elephants

Want to tell the Asian elephants apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the herd.

February 14, 2025

Wolves Born at Research Campus

Exciting news! A trio of maned wolf pups were born this winter at the Zoo's private conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

February 10, 2025

How Are Animal Matches Made?

Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.

February 08, 2025

How to Train a Binturong

How do you help a binturong with arthritis? Learn how our animal care team trained Hank to voluntarily participate in his own healthcare.

February 05, 2025

How to Restore Grasslands

Journey to Montana with Smithsonian scientists and Tribal communities as they protect and preserve American grasslands.

January 24, 2025

Quiz: Name the Asian Animals!

Camera traps are a valuable tool for wildlife researchers. Can you identify the animals from photos taken in Asia's mountain forests?

January 23, 2025

The Official Panda Fan Quiz

Think you know giant pandas? Take this quiz and see how your panda knowledge stacks up!

January 23, 2025

Meet Vostok, the New Amur Tiger

Vostok is a new face at the Zoo's Great Cats exhibit. Explore how animal care staff helped him adjust to his new home.

About Us

The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian's global efforts to save species.

  • History of the Zoo: Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex.
  • About the Zoo: One of Washington, D.C.'s premiere destinations, the Zoo welcomes millions of visitors each year.
  • About SCBI: Our 3,200-acre conservation campus, based on Front Royal, Virginia, is home to world-renowned science and conservation centers.
outside view of the Reptile Discovery Center