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National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian Voices

An aerial photo of two horseshoe crabs on the sand in shallow tidal waters

10 Incredible Horseshoe Crab Facts

Celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8 by learning about these ancient arthropods

Ashley Goetz | June 7, 2022

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

Cheetah mother and cubs huddled together in the grass

Meet the Small but Mighty Microbiomes

Trillions of microscopic bacteria play an important role in keeping animals healthy

Sally Bornbusch | April 26, 2022

A close-up of a green tree python with orange-red eyes, small scales, a forked tongue and small put organs visible around its mouth

Do Snakes Have Ears? And Other Sensational Serpent Questions

Get the scoop from an animal keeper who works with snakes

Robin Saunders | April 7, 2022
A male Guam kingfisher bird wearing a transmitter on its back is held gently in an animal keeper's gloved hand

Scientists Are Using 3-D-Printing Technology to Ready Guam Kingfishers for Reintroduction to the Wild

'Test flights' using replica transmitters will help scientists select the best option for siheks

Jennifer Zoon | March 2, 2022
Snake-necked turtle hatchling crawling over leaf

These Teeny, Tiny Turtle Hatchlings Fit in the Palm of Your Hand

The Zoo welcomed four snake-necked turtle hatchlings in October 2021

Matt Neff | February 8, 2022
tamandua with its long tongue sticking out

How Long Is a Tamandua's Tongue? And More Fun Facts

Get to know this remarkable member of the anteater family

Ashley Goetz | January 26, 2022
researcher Tremie Gregory climbs high up a tree in Peruvian Amazon rainforest to set up a camera trap

How Scientists Are Uncovering the Secrets of Life in the Rainforest Canopy

Camera trap photos show arboreal animals living hundreds of feet above the ground

Ashley Goetz | June 30, 2020
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