Welcome to the website of the Smithonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Asian elephant Linh Mai's first time in any outdoor yard at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Meet Linh Mai

She's here! Visit the Zoo to see the new Asian elephant calf up close.

Members Get Early Access

Tickets for Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo are on sale now for Zoo members, ahead of public sales beginning Aug. 27.

LATEST STORIES

August 24, 2026

Meet the Retirees Turning Their Farms Into Wildlife Corridors ›

As habitat fragmentation threatens Virginia's wildlife, two retired neighbors are turning their farms into biodiversity havens backed by Smithsonian science.

August 20, 2026

Halloween Celebrations Return to Zoo This Fall ›

Halloween traditions return to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute this October with two wildly popular after-hours events: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars, Incorporated, and Night...

August 18, 2026

Two Adorable Red Panda Cubs Born at Zoo’s Front Royal Campus ›

“The cubs are really just balls of fur that eat and sleep right now,” said Jessica Kordell, assistant curator of carnivores.

August 14, 2026

How Zoo Science Is Rewriting the Scimitar-Horned Oryx's Story ›

Once pushed to the brink of extinction, the oryx is becoming one of conservation's most inspirational stories.

August 14, 2026

How X-Rays, Cups and String Help Field Staff Find Turtle Nests ›

To find out why Eastern box turtles are declining across Virginia, Smithsonian staff are getting creative.

August 06, 2026

11 Fascinating Facts About the Hellbender ›

Hiding in Appalachia’s cool mountain streams is one impressively large salamander.

August 04, 2026

Happy 5th Birthday, Bao Li ›

Giant panda Bao Li celebrated turning 5 years old with a shark-themed birthday bash, complete with a fruitsicle "cake" and boat buoy enrichment.

August 03, 2026

Scientists Resolve Hawaiian Honeycreeper Family Tree ›

Smithsonian researchers have identified the genetic relationships among all the Hawaiian honeycreeper species that were known to exist since the arrival of Europeans to the islands.

Animal Cams

Watch giant pandas, elephants, lions, black-footed ferrets and naked mole-rats on camera at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.


Discover unforgettable stories from the Smithsonian's giant panda program — and the science that helps protect one of the world's most beloved animals.


Purchase your plush toys, books, and apparel inspired by the amazing animals at the Zoo. Proceeds from each sale support the Smithsonian mission. 


Our science plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction.

Explore our conservation programs at the Zoo and our research headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.