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Contact the Media Relations Staff

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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

Asian Elephants at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

We are excited announce the birth of a baby female Asian elephant! The calf arrived overnight on Monday, Feb. 2. Find photos of the calf and learn about the Zoo's conservation work on our elephant resource page.

Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

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.

Latest Press Releases

October 14, 2026

Researchers Crack Amphibian Cold Case Using Museum Specimens ›

New research ties dramatic losses of Brazilian frogs in the 1970s to deadly amphibian chytrid fungus.

October 09, 2026

Zoo Welcomes Five Cheetah Cubs; Relaunches Cub Cam ›

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomed the births of five healthy cheetah cubs born to 5-year-old first-time mother Zura Monday, Oct. 5, at NZCBI’s conservation campus in...

October 08, 2026

ZooLights Returns Nov. 20 ›

The holiday season will shine brighter at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) as ZooLights returns. Now in its 18th year, ZooLights is brighter than ever and...

September 30, 2026

New Research: Climate Refuges May Be Key To Restoring Amphibians ›

As deadly disease continues to ravage wild frog populations, scientists in Panama found places where amphibians might be able to persist in the presence of disease.

September 24, 2026

Smithsonian Zoo Director Shares Untold Stories of Giant Pandas ›

Brandie Smith's new book, set to debut Nov. 10, recounts surprising and little-known stories about the Zoo’s pandas and the people who care for them.

September 16, 2026

Zoo Breaks Ground on Arabian Leopard Exhibit ›

The Smithsonian and the Royal Commission for AlUla kicked off construction on a new exhibit slated to open winter 2029.

September 12, 2026

Happy 5th Birthday, Qing Bao ›

To celebrate giant panda Qing Bao's birthday, keepers went "far out" and created a 1970s-themed party full of bright colors and iconic pop culture slogans.

September 09, 2026

Media Advisory: Giant Panda Birthday ›

Giant panda Qing Bao will celebrate her 5th birthday Sept. 12 with a specially tailored fruitsicle cake.

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

October 13, 2026

How Do You Build a National Conservation Plan? ›

Follow the five-year journey that brought together governments, zoos, and conservation experts to give the lowland tapir a fighting chance.

October 09, 2026

Cheetah Cam Returns With a New Litter of Five Adorable Cubs ›

Four generations of one cheetah family now live at the Zoo's off-campus research facility. Meet the newest members.

October 06, 2026

Fascinating Facts About North American Porcupines ›

There are plenty of surprises to discover about these prickly creatures.

October 05, 2026

Watch the Meerkats Play With Halloween Enrichment ›

Seven meerkats got a Halloween-themed surprise from their keepers. See how they dug in.

September 11, 2026

See These Five New Animals at Your Fall Zoo Visit ›

From a spunky new sloth to a dazzling electric eel, get ready to meet the newest residents making themselves at home.

September 08, 2026

Happy 50th Zooniversary to the Zoo’s Aldabra Giant Tortoises ›

There are plenty of objects and artifacts at the Smithsonian that are old. But at the National Zoo, there's not much older than Rulon and Chyna.

September 03, 2026

8 Reasons Why Zoo Staff Think You'll Love Chacoan Peccaries ›

Two animal care experts share why this new species might become your next obsession.

August 28, 2026

Linh Mai’s Most Memorable Moments ›

Seven months ago, the world fell in love with a little Asian elephant named Linh Mai. As she turns 7 months old, we're taking a look back at her most memorable moments.

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

Zoo in the News

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 in Front Royal, Virginia, is home to world-renowned science and research centers.
outside view of the Reptile Discovery Center