News

The sedge wren is one of the most widespread birds in the Western Hemisphere, and yet it is one of the most poorly understood. I've consulted references as far back as 1884 in which the author optimistically wrote that as the number of observers increase, “We shall, no doubt, learn more about these...

The Smithsonian Institution and the World Bank Group today announced a new program under the Global Tiger Initiative to help stabilize and restore wild tiger populations and save this endangered species from extinction in its natural habitats. Poaching, habitat loss and other issues have reduced the...

A rare white-naped crane has hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Va. on May 23. The two-week-old female chick is the most genetically important hatchling in the North American White-Naped Crane Species Survival Program. The population has...

Veterinarians and animal care staff conducted a series of artificial insemination procedures this week on Shanthi, one of the Asian elephants at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. A successful pregnancy is an important milestone in the Zoo’s commitment to Asian elephant conservation. National Zoo staff...

Eleven stingrays and two arowanas (fish) were found dead in their pool at the National Zoo’s Amazonia exhibit Monday, May 25, shortly after 7 a.m. Preliminary tests of the water from the pool showed low levels of dissolved oxygen, indicating the deaths may be due to mechanical difficulties rather...

Staff at Smithsonian’s National Zoo confirmed late yesterday that female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) is not pregnant but was experiencing a pseudo, or false, pregnancy during the past several months. National Zoo scientists, veterinarians and keepers were keeping a close eye on Mei Xiang...

Eight institutions announced today their joint venture to save amphibians from the brink of extinction in the eastern region of Panama—an area rich with diverse amphibian species. Experts from the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Africam Safari...

Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected the start of the decline in urinary progestin levels in the Zoo’s female giant panda, Mei Xiang (may-SHONG). This hormone decline indicates that Mei Xiang’s reproductive cycle will be concluding fairly soon. Animal keepers report that she has...

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a giant anteater born yesterday, March 12, in an indoor enclosure. This is only the second giant anteater to be born in the history of the Zoo. National Zoo animal care staff and veterinarians have been closely monitoring mother...

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is pleased to announce the name of its 2 1/2-month-old female baby western lowland gorilla—Kibibi (kee-BEE-bee)—which means little lady in Swahili. More than 10,000 people voted in a public naming contest held by the Zoo and the Friends of the National Zoo. The public...

An endangered clouded leopard at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Va., gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs on Tuesday, March 24. Staff had been on pregnancy watch of the two-and-a-half year-old clouded leopard “Jao Chu” (JOW...

Toast wildlife conservation at The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s annual wine-tasting event, “Grapes With the Apes,” April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Guests can sample wines from both local and national wineries and vineyards while enjoying live music and exclusive after-hours access to the Great Ape House —...

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Friends of the National Zoo will host the free event “Easter Monday: Celebrating the African American Family” April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the 1890s, the Monday after Easter has been an unofficial holiday—a day of rest and recreation for many local...

An endangered clouded leopard at the National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Virginia, gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs early in the morning on March 24. Staff had been on pregnancy watch of the two-and-a-half-year-old clouded leopard Jao Chu for...

Billie Jean, a three-year-old female spectacled bear, made her debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Weighing about 113 pounds and still growing, she is quite agile—climbing high in the new structures in her yard. The installation of the new climbing structures are part of the Zoo’s enrichment...

A six-month-old, male Przewalski’s horse died at the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Va. Friday, Jan. 30, due to a fractured neck. The cause of injury remains undetermined—staff closely observing the horse in the moments preceding its death did not notice any unusual...

Looking for the wildest way to celebrate Valentine's Day without breaking the bank? Attend the Smithsonian's National Zoo's friskiest and fun-filled FREE event: Woo at the Zoo Thursday, February 12. This extraordinary evening, open to both singles and sweethearts, is a light-hearted exploration into...

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is experiencing a critical and unexpected shortage of its bamboo supply and is reaching out to local landowners and farmers who have bamboo and will allow the Zoo to harvest and manage their crop.

Yesterday, a baby western lowland gorilla was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Staff estimate the baby was born at approximately 1:45 p.m. to 26-year-old female Mandara and 16-year-old Baraka. The newborn represents the seventh successful gorilla birth for the Zoo since 1991. This is the...

If you have ever tried to capture a picture-perfect image of the National Zoo’s giant pandas or wondered how the Zoo’s photographers snap beguiling photos of animals as diverse as elephants and naked mole-rats, now is your chance to learn the tricks of the trade in a photo-challenge discussion...

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has appointed Joseph M. Sacco associate director for education, effective Jan. 5, 2009. In his new role, Sacco will oversee all public education programs at the Zoo, including public demonstrations, curriculum enrichment for K-12 students, teacher workshops, community...

The 2009 giant panda mating season began Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Female Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and male Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN) attempted to mate throughout the day Thursday. For the past six years, Mei Xiang has typically ovulated in March or April. Zoo staff...

Kirtland's warblers are so abundant in some parts of this ecosystem that it is hard to believe that the Kirtland's is the rarest songbird in North America, nesting almost exclusively in about 16 counties in northern Lower Michigan.

If you read Mary Deinlein's profile of the yellow-bellied sapsucker that appeared in this series in 2003, you know that we have learned a lot about the sap feeding habits of this highly specialized woodpecker. But as they say “Here is the rest of the story!” “A singular habit…and one with which all...

Hanging upside down on branches, stealing insects from the undersides of leaves, this acrobatic and gregarious bird is always a welcome sight. Though a common visitor to backyard feeders throughout the southeastern United States, we still have much to learn from this charismatic songbird. Throughout...