Conservation: Saving Wildlife and Habitats Worldwide
From the Zoo in Washington, D.C., to our research campus in Front Royal, Virginia — and field sites across the globe — the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) leads international efforts to save wildlife species from extinction, conserve ecosystems, and train the next generation of conservation scientists and practitioners.
We Save Species and Habitats
Saving Asian Elephants ›
Smithsonian scientists are advancing elephant care and reproduction at the Zoo while working with partners to protect wild populations in Asia.
Saving Giant Pandas ›
Our researchers are refining techniques to help giant pandas thrive in human care. Their studies also guide habitat restoration in China.
Saving Amphibians ›
In Panama, the Smithsonian operates a conservation center to restore wild amphibian populations while safeguarding them from a deadly disease.
Saving Migratory Birds ›
From Arctic tundras to tropical forests, migratory birds are tightly linked to Earth's ecosystems. Smithsonian researchers are working across hemispheres to raise awareness and protect critical habitats.
Research Centers and Global Programs
Our conservation work extends across five specialized science centers and four international programs, linking Smithsonian researchers with partners worldwide to protect biodiversity.
Latest in Conservation News
Two Ticketed Halloween Celebrations ›
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...
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.
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.
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.
11 Fascinating Facts About the Hellbender ›
Hiding in Appalachia’s cool mountain streams is one impressively large salamander.
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.
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.
Meet Our Bat-eared Fox Family ›
Feast your eyes on our frisky bat-eared fox kits—the first born here in 75 years—in this keeper Q&A!
Women in Conservation
Women have been at the forefront of the field of conservation biology at NZCBI for decades. Find out how women have driven discovery and innovation as part of the mission to help protect the world's wildlife.
About SCBI
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is a global leader in conservation, from animal reintroductions to genetic and and reproductive science.