The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists.
Always free of charge, the Zoo’s 163-acre park in the heart of Washington, D.C.,
„When I was in my mid-twenties and living in Mount Pleasant, I loved taking long runs to and then through the National Zoo…“
with Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, Xiao Qi Ji and the rest of the pandas that have called Washington
„I was seven years old when the pandas first came to the Zoo. I remember watching the news and trying to memorize every detail…“
with Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, Xiao Qi Ji and the rest of the pandas that have called Washington
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.
species we are trying to better understand is the wood thrush — the official bird of Washington
With just a few tips and tricks, anyone can find salamanders and celebrate nature in their local area.
exhibit here at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington
There’s no better activity for a fall day in D.C. than a trip to the Zoo. Crowds are smaller, days are cooler and changing leaves bring a burst of color to the park.
Pounce from Washington D.C. with Asia Trail keepers Kaitlyn Adkins and Jenny Spotten
In celebration of Squirrel Appreciation Day on Jan. 21, here are six facts to get you better acquainted with the Prevost’s squirrel.
Get to Know the Prevost’s Squirrel Clyde Nishimura There’s one squirrel in Washington
Our elephant herd is growing again—this time with three female elephants from Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada! Next spring, Kamala, Swarna, and Maharani, will arrive here on loan from the Calgary Zoo, expanding our existing herd to seven.
Rubenstein donated $2 million to enable us to bring the elephants to Washington.
This week, we saw the sassy side of our almost 4-month-old giant panda cub, Xiao Qi JI, as he let out a loud and feisty bark!
Later that day, the Washington, D.C. area saw our first wintry weather of the season
„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…“
with Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, Xiao Qi Ji and the rest of the pandas that have called Washington
