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National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian Voices

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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.

Mike Bock | July 10, 2025

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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?

Mike Bock | July 2, 2025

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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

Mike Bock | June 16, 2025

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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.

by Laurie Thompson and Mariel Lally | May 16, 2025
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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.)

Mike Bock | May 16, 2025
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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.

Mike Bock | April 17, 2025
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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.

Mike Bock | April 4, 2025
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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!

Mike Bock | March 17, 2025
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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.

Mike Bock | February 14, 2025
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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.

Mike Bock | February 10, 2025
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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.

Mike Bock | January 23, 2025
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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!

Mike Bock | January 14, 2025
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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!

Mike Bock | January 8, 2025
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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.

Mike Bock | December 18, 2024
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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.

Mike Bock | December 18, 2024
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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.

Mike Bock | December 10, 2024
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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.

Mike Bock | November 22, 2024
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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.

Mike Bock | November 6, 2024
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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.

Mike Bock | October 30, 2024
Categories
  • Animal Facts (15)
  • Animal Updates (57)
  • Birds (29)
  • Conservation (57)
  • Enrichment and Training (10)
  • Great Plains (8)
  • Reptiles and Amphibians (8)
  • Science and Research (42)
Archive
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  • 2020 (29)
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  • 2022 (15)
  • 2023 (9)
  • 2024 (14)
  • 2025 (14)

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