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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
Asian Elephant Program Media Resources
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
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.
Latest Press Releases
Asian Elephant Calf Born ›
For the first time in nearly 25 years, elephant care staff are celebrating the birth of an Asian elephant—an endangered species.
Zoo Welcomes Two Sloth Bear Cubs ›
For the first time since 2013, keepers at the Zoo have welcomed two sloth bear cubs.
Safety Incident at Smithsonian's National Zoo ›
Two animal care staff sustained injuries following an interaction with binturong Lola.
Asian Elephant Program Media Resources ›
Find comprehensive resources for media on the Asian elephant program at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Asian Elephant Is Pregnant ›
For the first time in nearly 25 years, animal care staff are preparing for the highly anticipated birth of an Asian elephant calf.
ZooLights Returns Nov. 21 ›
Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season.
Smithsonian Celebrates Birth of Four Cheetah Cubs ›
Keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia are celebrating the births of a litter of cheetah cubs.
New Kits Born in Black-footed Ferret Cloning Research ›
The Smithsonian celebrates the birth of three litters of black-footed ferrets in the lineage of Antonia, a clone of a ferret who died more than 30 years ago.
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
Keepers on the SCBI Cheetah Cubs ›
Learn how keepers are connecting with the cheetah cubs at our science campus in Front Royal, Virginia.
Timber Rattlesnake: American Symbol ›
Tracing the story of how a shy forest-dwelling snake became a powerful emblem of American resilience and self-reliance.
Scenes From a Snowy Week at the Zoo ›
While the Zoo was closed, staff members captured some rare scenes of the animals experiencing the falling snow.
Scientists Turn to Tracking Tech to Protect Endangered Ferrets ›
Scientists couldn't find the endangered black-footed ferrets they'd reintroduced. To protect them, they'd have to find out where the animals were going, and what was happening to them.
8 Fascinating Facts About the Roseate Spoonbill ›
This cotton-candy-pink bird may look strange, but it's an animal with a fascinating story.
Meet Our Tiny Terrapin Hatchling ›
One warm August morning, Reptile Discovery Center keepers’ day began with a “turtly” awesome surprise—a painted river terrapin hatchling. It's the first time this critically endangered species has successfully bred here.
Inside Redd the Orangutan’s Respiratory Care Routine ›
Redd’s daily treatment reveals how human medical technology is commonly adapted by zoos to help orangutans breathe easier.
Our Most Exciting Conservation Stories of 2025 ›
Take a look at some bite-sized stories about our science programs this year.
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 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.
