National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

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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.

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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.

Three female African lions rest in the sun and shade in a grassy area along a wood-panel fence

How Zookeepers Care for Aging Lions

Training allows lions to participate in their own health care

A female ruby-throated hummingbird sips nectar from a flower.

How Do You Weigh a Hummingbird?

See Spot. He's a small ruby-throated hummingbird with a big personality. He's also super smart and has mastered scale training.

Bozie (left) and Shanthi (right) may be from different family groups, but they have built a lasting friendship.

How Do You Encourage Elephants to Build Positive Relationships?

The Zoo cares for five female Asian elephants from a few different family groups. Luckily, there are a few things that keepers can do to encourage them to build positive relationships. Learn more in this update from keeper Kayleigh Sullivan.

Clouded leopard cubs Jilian and Paitoon made their debut at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in September 2019.

School is in Session for Clouded Leopard Cubs

Get a sneak peek into one very important aspect of clouded leopard cubs' daily care at the Zoo: training.

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Preparing for Cheetah Cubs

At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, the carnivore team is gearing up for a very special arrival: cheetah cubs! As one of 10 facilities in the Cheetah Breeding Center Coalition, SCBI researchers study the behavior, biology, health and reproduction of these rare cats.

12-year-old Grevy's zebra Moyo at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

How Do You Train a Zebra?

Get an insider's look at how animal keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo use activities, food, training and toys to safely care for 850-pound Grevy's zebra Moyo.

Orangutan mother Batang and infant Redd at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Under (Blood) Pressure: Monitoring Heart Rates in Zoo Primates

How do you get an orangutan to sit still for an electrocardiogram? All it takes is a little patience and a lot of ingenuity! The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s positive reinforcement training program enables primates to voluntarily participate in their own medical care without the need for anesthesia.

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