Newsroom
Find press releases, contact info and more
Contact the Media Relations Staff
Email or call to arrange an interview, request photos or video, or get information about our animals and research:
ZooSCBICommunications@si.edu
(202) 633-3055
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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
Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Panda Photos and Videos
The Zoo is home to two world-famous pandas who are symbols of conservation. View and download a gallery of Qing Bao and Bao Li media files.
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.
Press Releases
New Study Maps Curlew Flyways
Tracking data revealed three groups of long-billed curlew, each with unique migration patterns and conservation needs.
Zoo Mourns Loss of Komodo Dragon
Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.
Zoo Mourns Gray Seal Gunther
American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Gunther, a 33-year-old male gray seal who died Jan. 18.
New Tech to Aid Endangered Ferret
Tiny tracking devices are being used by researchers to monitor the behavior and movements of black-footed ferrets that were reintroduced into the wild.
Two New Giant Pandas Debut
Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today.
Zoo Mourns Bornean Orangutan Kyle
Primate staff are mourning the loss of Kyle, a 28-year-old male Bornean orangutan who died Jan. 10.
Giant Pandas Debut Jan. 24
On Jan. 24, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Status During Government Shutdown
In the event of a government shutdown, our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Thursday, Dec. 26. Please note that we are closed...
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.
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
Spring Break at the Zoo
This letter was sent to the Zoo Neighborhood Council April 8, 2025.
Meet the Asian Small-clawed Otter
There’s a lot to discover about these energetic little predators — here are some fun facts about the species.
Why I'm Tracking Bison Herds
Smithsonian ecologist Claire Bresnan encourages aspiring scientists to take a chance on themselves, and not succumb to "gloom and doom" in her Focus on the Future feature.
Why Shorebirds Stand on One Leg
It's a question visitors ask staff all the time at the Zoo's Bird House. The answer may surprise you!
Tips for Spotting the Red Wolves
The Zoo's pair of red wolves, Kiawah and Redford, are experts at staying out of sight. Here are some tips to help you find them in their habitat.
Get to Know the Elephants
Want to tell the Asian elephants apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the herd.
Wolves Born at Research Campus
Exciting news! A trio of maned wolf pups were born this winter at the Zoo's private conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.
How Are Animal Matches Made?
Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.
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.
