Newsroom

General Information

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian's global efforts to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Its two campuses are home to more than 2,100 animals, including some of the planet’s most critically endangered species.  

This Newsroom contains resources for members of the media, including press releases, media kits, images and downloadable b-roll. If you are a reporter and would like to arrange an interview or get more information on the Zoo’s animals and conservation science research, or request photos or video, please contact the communications team to facilitate your request. For all other inquiries, please use our general contact form. 

Phone: 202-633-3055
Email: ZooSCBICommunications@si.edu

Press Releases

The entrance gate at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Receives Accreditation From Association of Zoos and Aquariums

September 19, 2024
Two-year-old male giant panda Bao Li in his habitat at Shenshuping Base in Wolong, China, May 16.

David Rubenstein Donates $10 Million to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Giant Panda Program

September 17, 2024
Photo of a red backed salamander against a white backdrop.

Study Finds Salamanders Are Surprisingly Abundant in Northeastern Forests

August 28, 2024

Media Requests

If you are a reporter and would like to arrange an interview or get more information on the Zoo’s animals and conservation science research, or request photos or video, please contact the communications team to facilitate your request. For all other inquiries, please use our general contact form.

Want to be added to the Zoo's press release distribution list? Fill out the media contact form with the subject line: "add to distribution list."

Sea lion Ronin behind the scenes at the American Trail exhibit

Giant Panda Program Media Resources

Find comprehensive resources on the Giant Panda program here, including photos, videos, a panda program backgrounder and press releases.

Video B-roll for Media Use

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

Conservation and Science Impact Report

The heart of NZCBI's mission is to help build a more sustainable future for people, for wildlife and for nature. This 2023 report offers a snapshot of that mission in action.

Filming at the Zoo

Requests to film at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are evaluated an individual basis. 

Parties interested in filming at the Zoo are encouraged to review our filming policies before submitting an application.

Animal News Archive


Photo of three field researchers standing in a meadow. Tall grasses partially obscure the people, who are looking through binoculars at something outside the frame.

Across the Smithsonian, Researchers Are Working Together to Save Virginia’s Birds

September 16, 2024
Two Pallas's cats peek their heads from behind a wooden post.

Creature Feature: Meet the “Grumpy” Pallas’s Cat

September 06, 2024