Boo at the Zoo
Celebrate Halloween at the Zoo Oct. 16–18! Fill your goodie bag at trick-or-treat stations and enjoy an evening of festive entertainment and after-hours animal viewing.
Night of the Living Zoo
Join us Oct. 23 for a wild night featuring unlimited drinks, live music and DJs, roving entertainers and after-hours access to select animal exhibits.
LATEST STORIES
Zoo Breaks Ground on Arabian Leopard Exhibit ›
The Smithsonian and the Royal Commission for AlUla kicked off construction on a new exhibit slated to open winter 2029.
Happy 5th Birthday, Qing Bao ›
To celebrate giant panda Qing Bao's birthday, keepers went "far out" and created a 1970s-themed fête full of bright colors and iconic pop culture slogans.
See These Five New Animals at Your Fall Zoo Visit ›
From a spunky new sloth to a dazzling electric eel, get ready to meet the newest residents making themselves at home.
Happy 50th Zooniversary to the Zoo’s Aldabra Giant Tortoises ›
There are plenty of objects and artifacts at the Smithsonian that are old. But at the National Zoo, there's not much older than Rulon and Chyna.
8 Reasons Why Zoo Staff Think You'll Love Chacoan Peccaries ›
Two animal care experts share why this new species might become your next obsession.
Linh Mai’s Most Memorable Moments ›
Seven months ago, the world fell in love with a little Asian elephant named Linh Mai. As she turns 7 months old, we're taking a look back at her most memorable moments.
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.
Halloween Celebrations Return to Zoo This Fall ›
Halloween traditions return to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo this October with two wildly popular after-hours events.
Animal Cams
Watch giant pandas, elephants, lions and naked mole-rats on camera at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Go Behind the Scenes of Panda Conservation
Discover unforgettable stories from the Smithsonian's giant panda program — and the science that helps protect one of the world's most beloved animals.
Shop for the Herd
Purchase your plush toys, books, and apparel inspired by the amazing animals at the Zoo. Proceeds from each sale support the Smithsonian mission.
We Save Species
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.