News Archive

Using new and minute technology, Smithsonian scientists have, for the first time ever, tracked one of North America’s rarest birds―the Kirtland’s warbler―throughout its full annual cycle, revealing new and critical information for the bird’s future.

Join world-renowned scientists for in-depth discussions about how new technology is impacting conservation management of endangered species.

At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), our cheetah breeding program has been very successful since its beginnings eight years ago. The cheetah breeding facility is nine acres and it’s nestled away in a quiet area of SCBI. Cheetahs in particular breed more successfully in quiet...

The Small Mammal House recently welcomed a baby prehensile-tailed porcupine! Baby porcupines are known, adorably, as porcupettes.

The Reptile Discovery Center’s research on Cuban crocodiles continues! Currently, the team is listening for and recording vocalizations.

Bao Bao, her keeper Marty Dearie and Dr. Katharine Hope landed at China’s Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport around 6:59 p.m. CST after a 16-hour direct flight aboard the “FedEx Panda Express,” a custom-decaled 777F aircraft.

Giant panda Bao Bao and Zoo staff landed at China’s Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport around 6:59 p.m.

Early this morning, wild, migratory black-crowned night herons were seen for the first time this year returning to their nesting colony near the Zoo's Bird House—their only rookery in Washington, D.C.

VIDEO: Here's a look back at what Bao Bao means to all of us.

Bao Bao began her journey to China this morning. She departed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo at 10:35 for Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia where she will board a FedEx 777F plane bound for Chengdu, China.

As keepers prepared to say bye-bye to Bao Bao, they shared some of their favorite memories of the playful and inquisitive cub who made history.

Relive some of giant panda Bao Bao's best moments in this video!

At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, giant pandas sit in their habitat munching contentedly on bamboo shoots. But, consider that giant pandas—native to China—were once on the brink of extinction. And, if not for passionate and dedicated conservationists, the world may have been devoid of pandas.

Meet Sr. Victor Romeo Cobon My name is Victor Romeo Cobón. I am 52 years old and have, since the age of 21, always dedicated myself to the production of coffee. My wife’s name is Veneda Mérida. She is 51 years old and has always helped me to better myself morally. Since I was a child, I have worked...

February Update As part of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center's continuing research of the black-crowned night herons that breed at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, we deployed satellite transmitters on three adult herons in June 2016. Jackson: This bird left the Washington, D.C., area in early...

Giant panda Bao Bao will depart the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for China Feb. 21.

Did you know: the Amazon milk frog has special toe pads on its feet to help them climb plants. They're so strong they can hold up to 14 times the animal's body weight! Check out even more fun facts about milk frogs.

The Zoo’s 31-year-old male harbor seal, Squeegee, died shortly after a diagnostic medical exam Feb. 1. American Trail keepers had been monitoring Squeegee closely for several weeks after he presented with blood in his urine.

A geriatric female tufted deer died at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Feb. 2. The 24-year-old tufted deer named Morticia had been treated for cataracts and mobility issues during the past several years but recently had not responded to medications.

In the early morning hours Jan. 21, American Trail keepers welcomed a fifth seal to the colony! For the past two weeks, the female pup has been bonding with mom, Kara, in an off-exhibit area and growing quickly. Get the scoop on our newest baby from assistant curator Rebecca Sturniolo in this Q&A.

Why do clouded leopards seem to have a tough time reproducing outside of their natural habitat? As wild populations continue to dwindle, conservation scientists are working against the clock to find successful artificial insemination methods. Two research biologists—Adrienne Crosier and Pierre...

Love is in the air for the Zoo’s Sumatran tigers, Sparky and Damai! Their relationship, says keeper Dell Guglielmo, has been blossoming ever since the pair was introduced last September.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s female bobcat, Ollie—who escaped—received a medical exam this afternoon. She spent the night in the Zoo’s veterinary hospital under observation.