National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Blog

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian Voices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside the Zoo: A Rare and Life-Preserving Cheetah Surgery

With the help of 3D modeling technology, a team of veterinary experts successfully carried out a rare spinal surgery on an 11-month-old cheetah cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in August.

Mike Bock | October 4, 2024

How to Perform a Black-Footed Ferret Health Exam

The ferret kits at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's breeding facility in Front Royal, Va., just passed their 90-day health check with flying colors.

Adrienne Crosier | August 16, 2024

Body by Bugs: Feeding the Zoo's Insect-Eating Animals

They're nutritious, affordable, and always in demand. Learn how staffers prepare and deliver thousands of bugs each week to the animals living at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Mike Bock | July 10, 2024

Inside the Zoo: How Staff Rallied for an Abandoned Baby Monkey

When the Zoo's newest Allen's swamp monkey was rejected by his mother after birth, a team of staffers stepped up to care for the infant while he was young.

Mike Bock | May 16, 2024

The Love Lives of Ducks Make for Great Drama

Breeding season at the National Zoo's Bird House can create some spectacular behavior

Mike Bock | March 25, 2024

Aspen and Juniper: A Beaver Love Story

When it comes to love, leave it to the beavers! Get the story of Aspen and Juniper’s rocky romance in this Q&A with keeper Jackie Spicer.

Mike Bock | February 9, 2024

Get to Know the Zoo's Meerkat Pups

From sweet snuggles to sassy vocalization and snatching snacks, it’s been a busy June for the Smithsonian National Zoo's growing meerkat pups!

Jennifer Zoon | July 7, 2023

Oh, Baby! Meet Some of the Zoo's Newest Arrivals

Prepare for cuteness overload.

Mike Bock | June 7, 2023

Two Asian Elephants Arrive at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

The females, 19-year-0ld Trong Nhi and daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh, join males Spike, 41, Kamala, 47, Swarna, 47 and Maharani, 32, at the "Elephant Trails" exhibit in Washington, D.C.

Staff | November 7, 2022