News Archive

Smithsonian scientists discuss the impact of the first federal law designed to save endangered and imperiled animals from extinction.

When you’re making a list and checking it twice for winter-time activities in Washington, D.C., consider planning a trip to the Zoo. The cooler months can be the perfect time to see your favorite animals without the crowds.

Our male Asian elephant, Spike, looks a little different. The 42-year-old bull recently underwent a routine tusk trim! Get the story from curator Tony Barthel.

Our 7-month-old Western lowland gorilla Zahra is becoming quite the independent little lady... as long as she's not too busy stealing food from her mother!

The American Trail welcomes California sea lion Nick to the herd, as he makes his splashy debut!

In 2004, the United States Congress designated Dec. 13 to be “National Day of the Horse” - an opportunity to recognize the outsized role domesticated horses have played in human history. But for this year’s Day of the Horse, we’re taking a different tack, if you will, to recognize the Przewalski’s...

Our newest litter of five cubs are are playful and closely bonded—and they love chasing each other through the yard. It’s a lot for eight-year-old Echo to keep track of!

Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji are settling in nicely in their new home at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda’s ShenShuPing Campus.

Does an animal's personality play a role on whether it will survive in the wild? Researchers are using a surprising clue to find out: poop.

This holiday season, the Zoo invites you to give thanks to a beloved American icon—but not at the dining room table. Learn about how Bird House keeper Jen Ferraro helps care for the Zoo's resident turkeys.

In a little over a week, our western lowland gorilla infant, Zahra, will be six months old! Overall, she is doing great and has recently started going on many little adventures.

Climbing trees, breaking branches and munching on mulberries — that’s a day in the life of our Andean bear brothers, Ian and Sean! Celebrate their first birthdays in this update from keeper Sara Colandrea.

She's spunky, engaging and loves eating bugs. Get to know this 10-year-old female sloth bear, the newest resident of the Zoo’s Asia Trail.

Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji touched down at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport after a 19-hour, 9,000 mile flight from Washington, D.C.

Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji began their journey to China on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

Our newest litter of cheetah cubs are busy exploring... and they just got their first physical! Learn about caring for cubs in this update from carnivore biologist Adrienne Crosier.

A lifelong goal to save animals led Smithsonian fellow Molly Corder to find ways to protect critically endangered black rhinos from extinction threats.

The public has voted and now the 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) Bird House have names!

"The last three panda babies are synonymous with my motherhood journey and my love affair with the Smithsonian's National Zoo. I had my first baby in 2008; we started going to the Zoo regularly when Lucas was an infant..."

"My brother suddenly passed away in December 2005. A couple days after returning from his funeral, I remembered I had timed tickets to see Tai Shan. It was the furthest thing from my mind..."

Researchers at the Zoo found higher fiber and lower sugar diets had a range of health benefits for primates in human care.

Specialized technologies offer a new perspective into the lives of endangered black-footed ferrets and their prairie dog prey.

In a major conservation success, 10 oriole chicks hatched at the Bird House, and the Zoo is seeking the public’s help to name them.

In summer 2023, Bird House keepers celebrated the arrival of orchard oriole chicks—the first hatched in human care—and Baltimore oriole chicks. Curator Sara Hallager shares an update about the team's success.

Our 5-month-old baby gorilla is experiencing her first autumn! Catch up with baby Zahra and her mother Calaya in this blog update from primate keeper Erin Stromberg.