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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
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...
Media Resources: Giant Panda ›
Find comprehensive resources for media on the giant panda program at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
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.
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.
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
Meet the Retirees Turning Their Farms Into Wildlife Corridors ›
As habitat fragmentation threatens Virginia's wildlife, two retired neighbors are turning their farms into biodiversity havens backed by Smithsonian science.
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.
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!
Happy National Zookeeper Week ›
Join us in celebrating the dedicated professionals who care for our animal ambassadors!
See Linh Mai Take Her First Swim ›
Look who’s learning to “elephant paddle!” Linh Mai, our 5-month-old Asian elephant calf, reached a major milestone this week: baby’s first swim!
NZCBI Annual Reports
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.
