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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
Asian Elephants at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
Asian Elephant Program Media Resources
We are excited announce the birth of a baby female Asian elephant! The calf arrived overnight on Monday, Feb. 2. Find photos of the calf and learn about the Zoo's conservation work on our elephant resource page.
Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
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.
Latest Press Releases
EleFest Celebration Coming Aug. 7–9 ›
Visitors can celebrate elephants during EleFest, a three-day festival at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Aug. 7–9.
New Study: Animals React Differently When Human Movement Changes ›
New research shows human presence and habitat modifications impact how animals behave in unexpected ways.
First Ferret Kits of 2026 Born at Zoo's Research Campus ›
Viewers can watch the endangered black-footed ferret kits and mother via live cam on the Zoo’s website.
African Lion Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›
Zoo staff are mourning the loss of Shera, a female African lion who was humanely euthanized May 7.
Elephant Calf Makes Her Public Debut ›
In celebration of Earth Day, 2-month-old Asian elephant calf Linh Mai made her public debut this morning.
Big Data Can Protect Birds, According to New Study ›
New research published in the journal Conservation Biology provides a model for big data to inform conservation.
Elephant Calf Will Debut April 22 ›
In celebration of Earth Day, Asian elephant calf Linh Mai will make her public debut April 22.
Golden Frogs Going Back to Nature ›
Smithsonian scientists are partnering on a new project to release Panamanian golden frogs back to the wild.
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
America’s Bird: 9 Fascinating Facts About the Bald Eagle ›
It's on our currency, our seals, and in our imagination. But how well do you really know the bald eagle?
7 Fascinating Facts About the Fishing Cat ›
Think cats hate water? Learn what makes the fishing cat one of Asia’s most remarkable, and least understood, wild predators.
How Handmade Medical Replicas Help Zoo Animals ›
Veterinary technician Jo Fujito builds dummy devices that help the National Zoo’s animals practice for medical procedures.
The Striped Skunk: America’s Misunderstood Neighbor ›
They're one of North America’s most recognizable animals, but how well do you really know these fascinating creatures?
Meet Our Brown Pelican Trio ›
Get to know our delightful brown pelican rescues—Eugene, Pippin and Frankie—in this Q&A with keeper Erin Whatley.
How We're Studying Wildlife Along the Lewis and Clark Trail ›
Smithsonian scientists and partners are retracing Lewis and Clark's journey — with a 21st-century toolkit.
Want to Restore Stream Habitat? Think Like a Beaver ›
Smithsonian researcher Maya Rayle is studying whether artificial beaver dams can revive the stream valleys of the Great Plains.
Meet the Babies Born at the Zoo This Spring ›
Dive into their stories and find out which ones you might see on your next visit.
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.
Zoo in the News
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.
