Built for speed, the cheetah can accelerate from zero to 45 in just 2.5 seconds and reach top speeds of 60 to 70 mph, making it the fastest land mammal! The cheetah’s spotted coat helps it camouflage among the dry grasses of the African savanna where it lives.
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Sea lions are large, gregarious mammals found along the western coast of North America. In the water, their torpedo-shaped bodies can reach speeds of 25 to 30 mph!
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What is it like to see a gorilla in the wild? Get a glimpse of gorillas on their own turf, thanks to our Gabon Biodiversity Program (GBP). In Gabon’s National Park, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) scientists have teamed up with local experts to habituate western lowland gorillas to the presence of human observers. SCBI-GBP program manager Angelique Todd walks us through her world of wild gorillas in this Q&A from the field.
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Golden lion tamarins are small, social primates with reddish-gold coats and long, backswept manes. They live in the Atlantic coastal regions of southeastern Brazil, where their populations once dwindled to just 200 individuals. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, this endangered species is recovering.
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Now more than ever, raising awareness about the plight of migratory birds is key to their survival. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we are in the midst of completely transforming our beloved Bird House from its humble foundation (circa 1928) into a celebration of birds and their amazing annual journeys.
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The Guam kingfisher is a medium-sized bird with a large head and strong beak. It is an aggressive bird that establishes and defends nesting territories, and it has a loud, raspy, distinct call. This species was once found only on the island of Guam but is now extinct in the wild.
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The answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about giant pandas.
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Giant pandas are native to central China and have come to symbolize vulnerable species. As few as 1,864 giant pandas live in their native habitat, while another 600 pandas live in zoos and breeding centers around the world.
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The American Trail welcomes California sea lion Nick to the herd, as he makes his splashy debut!
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Marmosets are small, squirrel-like monkeys native to the lowland rainforests of Brazil. They have black-brown fur, white faces and black ear tufts. Sharp claws help these arboreal primates cling to tree trunks.
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