Newsroom

Find press releases, contact info and more

Contact the Media Relations Staff

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

ZooSCBICommunications@si.edu 

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Register below with the subject line: "add to distribution list." Registration is open to media members only.

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

February 13, 2026

Her Name Is Linh Mai ›

The Zoo's 11-day-old Asian elephant calf received her name today: Linh Mai, Vietnamese for "spirit blossom."

February 10, 2026

Strengthening Arabian Leopard Conservation ›

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Royal Commission for AlUla are launching the next phase of a global partnership to protect and restore the critically endangered...

February 03, 2026

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. 

January 06, 2026

Zoo Welcomes Two Sloth Bear Cubs ›

For the first time since 2013, keepers at the Zoo have welcomed two sloth bear cubs.

December 12, 2025

Safety Incident at Smithsonian's National Zoo ›

Two animal care staff sustained injuries following an interaction with binturong Lola.

November 24, 2025

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.

November 24, 2025

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.

November 17, 2025

ZooLights Returns Nov. 21 ›

Washington, D.C.’s beloved family-friendly winter wonderland, ZooLights, returns to brighten the holiday season.

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

February 12, 2026

Elephant Calf Update ›

Over the past 10 days, the elephant team has been working around the clock to care for the calf and build positive relationships among the herd.

February 10, 2026

Smithsonian Scientist Helps Rediscover Missing Frog Populations ›

Can sound save species? Scientist Brian Gratwicke recounts how cutting-edge recording tools helped researchers rediscover missing frog populations in Panama.

February 09, 2026

Meet Our Sloth Bear Cubs ›

The sloth bears born Dec. 7 are growing bigger and cuter by the day! Get to know their names—plus which one is feisty and which one is serious.

February 04, 2026

Keepers on the SCBI Cheetah Cubs ›

Learn how keepers are connecting with the cheetah cubs at our science campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

February 02, 2026

Timber Rattlesnake: An American Symbol ›

Tracing the story of how a shy forest-dwelling snake became a powerful emblem of American resilience and self-reliance.

January 27, 2026

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.

January 12, 2026

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.

January 09, 2026

8 Fascinating Facts About the Roseate Spoonbill ›

This cotton-candy-pink bird may look strange, but it's an animal with a fascinating story.

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

NBC4 Washington | Nov. 18, 2025

Dashing through the Zoo Lights ›

Good Morning America | Nov. 15, 2025

Smithsonian zoo welcomes new cheetah cubs ›

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