Beaver News

Displaying 1 - 9 of 9

A researcher with blond hair stands in a grassland
May 29, 2026

To Restore Montana’s Prairie Streams, Smithsonian Researchers Are Thinking Like Beavers ›

Smithsonian researcher Maya Rayle is studying whether artificial beaver dams can revive the stream valleys of the Great Plains.

A beaver sitting on its back legs
April 03, 2026

9 Fascinating Facts About North America’s Master Builder, the Beaver ›

Time to learn about everyone’s favorite wetland rodent.

Photo of a beaver holding a small biscuit between its paws and eating it.
June 07, 2023

New at the Zoo: Meet Beaver Juniper ›

The beaver is one of North America's greatest ecosystem engineers and conservation success stories, and we are thrilled to welcome a second beaver to the American Trail!

Sea lion Charger and North American beaver Poppy at the American Trail exhibit.
November 06, 2020

Meet the New Kids on the Block at American Trail ›

There are two new (adorable) kids on the block at American Trail! The team welcomed California sea lion pup Charger and North American beaver Poplar to their new homes at Smithsonian’s National Zoo this past summer.

Three-month-old cheetah cub at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays with an enrichment toy.
July 31, 2020

Bringing the Zoo to You: July 2020 ›

Grab a delicious snack with prehensile-tailed porcupine Quilliam, have a ball watching our cheetah cubs play and behold beaver Aspen as he fells a tree. July brought about many exciting moments, not the least of which was the reopening of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Before you plan your visit...

Infant western lowland gorilla Moke sits on a rock in a yard with grass and shrubs
May 01, 2020

Bringing the Zoo to You: April 2020 Edition ›

Chirping cheetah cubs, a birthday party fit for a gorilla and a Madagascar hedgehog tenrec indulging in some self-care with a dust bath—all of these events (and more) made for an eventful month.

North American beaver Birch snacks on his favorite food, corn, at the American Trail exhibit.
June 12, 2019

Beaver Dies at Smithsonian's National Zoo ›

We are sad to share that 4-year-old North American beaver Birch died suddenly June 3.

A beaver with thick, wet fur, long claws and whiskers stands in shallow water and rocks
April 05, 2019

8 Facts to Celebrate International Beaver Day ›

April 7 is International Beaver Day, so sink your (orange) teeth into these fun beaver facts!

A sea lion demo at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
October 06, 2017

A Day in the Life of an American Trail Keeper ›

A stroll down American Trail brings visitors face-to-face with swimming sea lions, busy beavers and resourceful ravens. What visitors may not see are the dedicated keepers working hard behind the scenes preparing diets, training animals and cleaning habitats. Get a glimpse into a day in the life of...