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National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian Voices

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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 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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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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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
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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.

Mike Bock | July 10, 2024
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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
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Oh, Baby! Meet Some of the Zoo's Newest Arrivals

Prepare for cuteness overload.

Mike Bock | June 7, 2023
Asian elephant standing in a sandy patch at an outdoor zoo exhibit

Watch: How Do You Help An Elephant With a Toothache?

Experts come together to provide dental care for an Asian elephant

Annalisa Meyer | May 10, 2022
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