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
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.
New Study: Animals React Differently When Human Movement Changes ›
New research shows human presence and habitat modifications impact how animals behave in unexpected ways.
Meet Four Female Trailblazers in Conservation Science ›
Explore the careers of female scientists whose work shaped the field of zoo research and wildlife conservation.
Cheetah Cam Season Comes to a Close ›
The last day of the Zoo's Cheetah Cub Cam feed will be April 2. Learn what's next for the cubs in this keeper update.
Following Flight Paths: Tracking Grassland Birds ›
From fine-scale movements to continental migrations, learn why scientists are tracking Virginia's birds as they fly.
Ecologists Learn AI Skills at the Zoo’s Science Campus ›
As artificial intelligence reshapes science, a new generation of ecologists is learning how to harness its potential.
Box Turtles Are Vanishing. Can Science Help Bring Them Back? ›
Smithsonian researcher Maxwell Earle explains how tracking tech can help protect struggling Eastern box turtle populations in Virginia.
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.