The National Zoo is devoted to being a leader in animal care. Taking care of animals is a complex, demanding, multifaceted endeavor. Animal programs provides for the mental and physical well-being of every animal at the Zoo.
Research Programs
Zoo Animal Enrichment
The Zoo keeps animals healthy and engaged by providing enrichment in the form of puzzles, novel foods and smells, and naturalistic habitats.
Lean more.
Cognition
Zoo scientists study how primates, pandas, and other animals learn, think, and communicate. Learn more.
Zoological Medicine
Each of the Zoo's more than 2,000 animals that belong to more than 400 species, from leaf-cutter ants to lowland gorillas, require a team of vets to keep them healthy.
Learn more.
Spotlight on Vet Medicine
Follow Zoo vets as they decipher puzzles and work to preserve the health of the Zoo's animals. Learn more.
