National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

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The Hidden Architecture Behind a Wildlife-Friendly Garden at the Zoo

Zoo teams transformed the yards outside the Bird House into a thriving, wildflower-filled garden that attracts birds and other wildlife. Find out how they did it.

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How Do Snakes Move Without Legs?

Snakes have adapted to climb trees, leap across hot sand, and even swim through water — all without arms or legs. What’s their secret?

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'Little Critters' Drop-In Program Lets the Smallest National Zoo Visitors Play Hands-On With Nature

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Little Critters: Nature Play area, young children and their caregivers can have fun with free, nature-based play activities

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Young Pandas Seem ‘Very Interested In Each Other’, Say Keepers at National Zoo

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 this update from the Zoo's panda keeper team.

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Meet the Bat-Eared Fox, an Unusual Animal That Can Hear Insects Burrowing Underground

Get to know the bat-eared fox, an insect-eating creature found in the grasslands and savannas of Africa (and also the Smithsonian's National Zoo.)

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Leaf-Tailed Gecko Treated With Chemotherapy Regimen at National Zoo

Veterinarians performed the innovative treatment on a 4-year-old Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko, a species at the fringes of zoo medicine.

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Meet the Asian Small-Clawed Otter, an Adorable and Social Carnivore

There’s a lot to discover about the smallest species of otter — here are some fun facts about them.

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Why Do Shorebirds Stand on One Leg?

It's a question visitors ask staff all the time at the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Bird House. The answer may surprise you!

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Maned Wolf Program at the National Zoo's Research Campus Welcomes Three Pups

The three baby wolves were born this winter at the Smithsonian National Zoo’s conservation and research campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

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How Are Animals Paired at the National Zoo?

Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.

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Meet Vostok, the National Zoo's New Amur Tiger

The 2-year-old male tiger is now at home with the other residents of the Great Cats exhibit. Get the facts on how animal care teams helped this endangered animal adjust to his new surroundings.

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How Can You Tell the National Zoo's Giant Pandas Apart?

The Smithsonian's National Zoo's two giant pandas look quite similar to the untrained eye. Animal keeper Mariel Lally offers some tips you can use to spot the difference!

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See How the Pandas (And Other Animals) Enjoyed a Chilly Snow Day

Several inches of snowfall kept the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute closed to visitors this week. But the animals and their caretakers still had a good time!

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Read Some of the Most Exciting Stories From the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in 2024

Celebrate and look back at some of the groundbreaking achievements made by Smithsonian scientists this year.

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Read Some of the National Zoo’s Most Amazing Animal Stories of 2024

Enjoy a look back at some incredible and heartwarming stories about the Smithsonian National Zoo's animals and the people who care for them.

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To Keep the National Zoo’s Pandas Satisfied, Staff Prepare an Endless Supply of Bamboo

Take a look behind the scenes as animal care teams provide a daily bamboo buffet to the Zoo's new giant pandas.

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Meet the Eastern Red-Backed Salamander, A Tiny Environmental Hero

Next time you’re walking through fallen leaves in a forest, keep an eye out for the Eastern red-backed salamander—a small woodland creature with a huge role to play.

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How Keepers at Smithsonian's National Zoo Help Giant Pandas Feel at Home

Get a behind the scenes look at how staff are helping giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao settle into their new home at the Zoo's Asia Trail exhibit.

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Ten Fascinating Facts About the Arapaima, the Largest Freshwater Fish in South America

This keystone species of the Amazon River ecosystem are a fearsome predator with many names.

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