Current News
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo Seeking Bamboo to Bolster Dwindling Supply
The National Zoo is experiencing a critical and unexpected shortage of its bamboo supply and is reaching out to local landowners and farmers who have bamboo and will allow the Zoo to harvest and manage their crop. Photos of bamboo are available.
- National Zoo Has a New Baby Gorilla
On Jan. 10, a western lowland gorilla was born at the National Zoo to 26-year-old female Mandara. The newborn represents the seventh successful gorilla birth for the Zoo since 1991.
Photos and video are available.
- National Zoo and Fujifilm Invite Photographers to Take Their Best Shot!
If you have ever tried to capture a picture-perfect image of the Zoo’s giant pandas or wondered how the Zoo’s photographers snap beguiling photos of animals as diverse as elephants and naked mole-rats, now is your chance to learn the tricks of the trade in a photo-challenge discussion hosted by the Zoo and Fujifilm.
- National Zoo Appoints Joseph M. Sacco Associate Director for Education
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has appointed Joseph M. Sacco associate director for education, effective Jan. 5, 2009.
- National Zoo Photo Release: Endangered gazelle undergoes surgery
Photos available for download
- Smithsonian Scientists Rearrange Hawaii’s Bird Family Tree
A group of five endemic and recently extinct Hawaiian songbird species were historically classified as “honeyeaters” due to striking similarities to birds of the same name in Australia and neighboring islands in the South Pacific.
- Endangered Bird Dies at Smithsonian’s National Zoo
A five-year-old female Guam rail was found dead in its enclosure at the National Zoo’s Bird House Dec. 7, 2008. A Guam rail is a species of small, flightless, brown bird native to Guam but currently extinct in the wild.
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Eco-friendly Gift Ideas from the National Zoo
From Adopt a Species packages to green gifts like panda poo-poo paper and handbags made with recycled juice packs, FONZ has trendy, eco-friendly gifts for every animal lover on your holiday shopping list.
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Dama Gazelle Born at Smithsonian's National Zoo
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a female dama gazelle calf Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008. The calf is healthy, very active and thriving in her new environment.
- National Zoo Photo Release: National Zoo giant pandas enjoy fall weather
Photos available for download
- Giant Panda Conservation Continues as China Recovers from Earthquake
Six months after an earthquake devastated central China’s Sichuan Province—home to 46 giant panda reserves and 75 percent of the estimated 1,600 wild pandas—the National Zoo’s giant panda conservation programs in that region continue.
- National Zoo Photo Release: Silver fox rabbits debut at Kids' Farm
Photos available for download
- Rare Salamander Dies at National Zoo
Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo euthanized a female Japanese giant salamander Monday, Nov. 3, due to her declining health following several months of treatment for liver disease and a skin infection.
- Tickets for the National Zoo’s Second Annual “ZooLights” On Sale Now
This holiday season the National Zoo will be at its brightest after dark as Friends of the National Zoo hosts ZooLights, powered by Pepco.
- PGMS Salutes Smithsonian National Zoological Park for Grounds Management Excellence
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recognized the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. with an Honor Award in the Society's 2008 Green Star Awards competition. The award was given in the Amusement Park, Theme Park, or Zoo category for exceptional grounds maintenance.
- National Zoo Photo Release: Orangutans "tailgate" at the National Zoo
Photos available for download
- National Zoo Photo Release: Eld's Deer born at Conservation Research Center
Photos available for download
- National Zoo and George Mason University Develop New Program for Future Conservationists
The Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park and George Mason University have joined to develop a comprehensive academic program for undergraduates, graduates and conservationists.
- National Zoo Scientists Celebrate Exciting Breakthrough in Cheetah Reproduction at Wildlife Safari park in Oregon
Excitement and expectations ran high at Wildlife Safari during the week of September 21, when for the first time in history two momentous advances were made that could have a significant impact on reproduction in captive cheetahs.
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National Zoo Receives Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has been awarded a five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The accreditation certifies that the National Zoo has met or exceeded the AZA’s standards for animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.
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