Scientists at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics conduct studies that use genetic methods and markers to help understand an animal’s behavior or ecology.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Don’t be put off by Fofo’s prickly appearance! As his name implies, our prehensile-tailed porcupette is as “cute” as can be! Get to know Fofo in this Q+A with Small Mammal House keepers.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Two new neighbors have arrived at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Meet Przewalski’s horse mother-son duo, Barbie and Cooper!
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Crash into May with black rhinos! Dr. Francesca Vitali is a wildlife veterinarian and Morris Animal Foundation postdoctoral fellow with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Global Health Program. She is currently working with our Smithsonian partners in Kenya to help conserve Eastern black rhino populations.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Exciting news! A trio of maned wolf pups were born this winter at the Zoo’s private conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
From the deepest trenches to the shallowest shores and across five basins, water circulates in one interconnected system: the world ocean. This World Ocean Day, discover how seemingly different animals — sessil coral and soaring seabirds — are connected to each other, to a changing climate and to ocean conservation.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
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.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Scurry into the Small Mammal House and get up close with animals like sand cats, golden lion tamarins and naked mole-rats.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
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.
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Why is it difficult to breed cheetahs in human care?
Today’s hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
