Timor pythons are large, extremely active snakes native to the southeastern islands of Indonesia though, interestingly, not the island of Timor.
The lower half of its body is completely brown, and its skin can have an iridescent
Whooping cranes are graceful, expressive and curious creatures. Get acquainted with these big, beautiful birds in this Q+A with Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute keeper Chris Crowe.
Video Have you ever heard a whooping crane trumpet? Yes!
Many of the Zoo’s animals are built for extreme temperatures, including the fennec fox! Learn how animal keepers care for these desert dwelling foxes.
The dens also have multiple entrances and exits to provide the fox with a safe escape
There are only 135 Guam kingfishers in the world, but scientists around the world are working to change that by breeding the species for release in the near future.
They have not had any chicks yet (and/or their siblings have not had any chicks).
Fall is upon us, which means that it’s a great time to visit the Great Cats exhibit to see our African lions in action! When the temperature is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the cats are at their most frisky.
Many visitors who have been coming to the Zoo for years are curious to know whether
This Amphibian Week, take a closer look at what makes these species so wonderfully weird and worthy of our attention.
May 03, 2024 Happy Amphibian Week 2024 Have you ever strolled past an animal’s
Smithsonian veterinary research fellow Dr. Maureen Wanjiku Kamau is leading a study on wild eastern black rhinos in Kenya. Find out how her team is using poop to learn more about rhino reproduction.
Image: Great strides in conservation have resulted in the gradual recovery of Kenya
Meet the lemur leaf frog! These attractive amphibians—best known for their big, beautiful eyes—are critically endangered. The good news? Reptile Discovery Center keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are working to save them from extinction.
Lemur leaf frogs are nocturnal—they’re awake and active at night—so they have some
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.
They have independent, curious and easy-going personalities.
Read on for some of the most frequently asked questions about Bao Bao’s departure.
Will the public have a chance to say goodbye to Bao Bao before she leaves?
