Our 6-week-old giant panda cub is packing on the pounds! Get the scoop on his weekly weigh-in from assistant curator Laurie Thompson.
Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics analyzed our giant panda cub’s DNA
With just a few tips and tricks, anyone can find salamanders and celebrate nature in their local area.
Continue Exploring July 29, 2025 Study: New DNA Tool Identifies Animals by Their
Dr. Pierre Comizzoli has worked as a veterinarian in French Guyana and in the African Sahelo-Saharan region. He also has a master’s degree from the University of Paris VI and a doctoral degree from the University of Tours on reproductive biotechnologies in bovine and deer species. During his doctoral studies, he described an original effect of the paternal component on early embryo development in both species, and produced in vitro the first transferable embryos in red deer and Japanese sika deer.
Scientists collect and freeze biological materials, such as gametes, tissue, milk and DNA
years, Smithsonian scientists collected and stored frozen biomaterials (such as DNA
Enjoy these 50 facts about giant pandas in honor of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Giant Panda 50th Anniversary Celebration.
The best, and most reliable, way to determine a bear cub’s sex is through DNA analysis
Brian Gratwicke is a conservation biologist and leads the amphibian conservation programs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Brian’s focus is building capacity to conserve amphibians in Appalachia and Panama, developing outreach and educational programs and exhibits to build public support for amphibian conservation, and research to develop tools to reintroduce amphibians back into the wild. At SCBI, Brian collaborates with Panamanian conservation biologists and zoo partners to build an ex situ amphibian facility in Panama.
Image: Detecting Rare Salamanders Using Environmental DNA How do you find an elusive
Smithsonian scientists are identifying and monitoring the impact of climate change by studying salamanders.
through physical surveys of animals, and by filtering water samples for hellbender DNA
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them.
Learn More LATEST STORIES July 29, 2025 Study: New DNA Tool Identifies Animals
Our giant panda cub has reached a big milestone—today marks one month since its birth Aug. 21. Over the weekend, Mei Xiang left the den, and an opportunity arose to conduct the cub’s first veterinary exam!
Veterinarians were also able to take a quick swab of our cub’s cheek for DNA analysis
Giant panda Mei Xiang continues to be a wonderful mother to her newborn. Last night, she gently set the cub down on the floor of their den and walked into her main indoor enclosure to drink some water.
If time permits, we will take a cheek swab for DNA analysis.
