Newsroom
Find press releases, contact info and more
Contact the Media Relations Staff
Email or call to arrange an interview, request photos or video, or get information about our animals and research:
ZooSCBICommunications@si.edu
(202) 633-3055
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Mailing Addresses
Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 5516
Washington, DC 20013
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
1500 Remount Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Panda Photos and Videos
The Zoo is home to two world-famous pandas who are symbols of conservation. View and download a gallery of Qing Bao and Bao Li media files.
Panda Program Media Resources
For five decades, the Smithsonian has worked with colleagues in China to advance giant panda conservation. Get in-depth details about the Zoo's giant panda program.
Press Releases
Arabian Leopard Conservation
NZCBI and the Royal Commission for AlUla announced an agreement May 13 involving the international conservation and loan of Arabian leopards from Saudi Arabia.
New Study Maps Curlew Flyways
Tracking data revealed three groups of long-billed curlew, each with unique migration patterns and conservation needs.
Zoo Mourns Loss of Komodo Dragon
Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.
Zoo Mourns Gray Seal Gunther
American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Gunther, a 33-year-old male gray seal who died Jan. 18.
New Tech to Aid Endangered Ferret
Tiny tracking devices are being used by researchers to monitor the behavior and movements of black-footed ferrets that were reintroduced into the wild.
Two New Giant Pandas Debut
Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today.
Zoo Mourns Bornean Orangutan Kyle
Primate staff are mourning the loss of Kyle, a 28-year-old male Bornean orangutan who died Jan. 10.
Giant Pandas Debut Jan. 24
On Jan. 24, giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao will make their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Conservation and Science Impact Report
The heart of our mission is to help build a more sustainable future for people, for wildlife and for nature. This annual report highlights our work in action.
Filming and Photography
Filming at the Zoo
Get information about on-site filming at the Zoo in Washington D.C., or the Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
B-Roll YouTube Playlist
Browse a comprehensive playlist with footage and video clips on the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's YouTube channel.
Recent Animal Stories
Six Canvasback Babies Hatch at Bird House
The tiny ducklings are currently living behind the scenes at the Bird House.
Zoo Welcomes Alpacas ‘Rainstorm’ and ‘Coffee Cup’
Fuzz fans, rejoice! Two new alpacas have made their debut at our Kids’ Farm exhibit.
Get to Know the Gorilla Troop Living at the Zoo
Want to tell the western lowland gorillas apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the troop.
The Bears and the Bleats
Bleats and chirps between two giant pandas are a sure sign that flirtatious feelings are in the air! Read all about the bears and the bleats in our latest #DCPandas update.
Meet the Bat-Eared Fox
This peculiar-looking canine uses its exceptional hearing to hunt for termites and beetles — here are some more fun facts about the species.
After Resettling Project, Sihek Are Flying Free in the Wild
One year after a translocation project brought the Guam kingfisher, or sihek, to a remote Pacific island, Zoo scientists say the iconic species is showing signs of recovery.
Remembering Basil
We are very sad to share that Basil — a rescued Virginia opossum who was favorite of many Small Mammal House visitors — died May 1.
Happy Amphibian Week 2025
This Amphibian Week, take a closer look at what makes these species so wonderfully weird and worthy of our attention.
About Us
The National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian's global efforts to save species.
- History of the Zoo: Founded in 1889, the Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex.
- About the Zoo: One of Washington, D.C.'s premiere destinations, the Zoo welcomes millions of visitors each year.
- About SCBI: Our 3,200-acre conservation campus, based in Front Royal, Virginia, is home to world-renowned science and research centers.
