The critically endangered radiated tortoise lives in the forests and scrublands of Madagascar. It has a smooth, high-domed carapace (or shell) marked with yellow lines that radiate from the center of each dark plate. Its body is yellow, with a black patch on its head.
Radiated tortoises prefer dry regions of brush, thorn forests and woodlands of southern
Banded mongooses are small, catlike carnivores native to Africa. They are famous for their ability to kill snakes and are one of the most social mongoose species, living in packs of up to 20.
They live in open habitat in grasslands, brush lands, woodlands and rocky country
Instantly recognizable, striped skunks are known for their signature coloration and for their ability to emit a strong and pungent odor when upset. They are native to the United States and Canada.
abandoned dens of other mammals during the day, or take up residence in hollowed logs, brush
Patagonian maras are long-legged rodents with bodies similar to hoofed animals. They have long ears and short tails. Their coats — which are stiff, dense and very fine in texture — are primarily gray-brown, with a white patch along the chest and stomach and orange coloration around the flanks and head.
They prefer arid grasslands and brush lands with a great deal of open space.
Red rivers are the most colorful members of the pig family. They are an adaptable species found across west and central Africa.
in dry forests and cultivated areas not far from rainforests, preferring lots of brush
Four new sets of owl eyes have joined the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute family this year in Washington, D.C. Give a hoot for Bird House keeper Heather Anderson and American Trail keeper Jackie Spicer as they talon their stories of caring for native owl species.
A brush pile made from yard trimmings and clippings provides shelter to small rodents
Emus are large, flightless birds resembling and related to ostriches. They are native to Australia.
The nest, made of leaves, grass and bark is a shallow depression next to low brush
Swing into the new year with an animal that knows a thing or two about swinging: gibbons! Get to know Sydney, Ronnie and Bradley from primate keeper Carly Hornberger.
Keepers will hide meal worms in the brush fibers, then place the shaggy item in the
The Reptile Discovery Center team is warming up to a new monitor lizard this winter. The young Komodo dragon, named Onyx, moved into his new habitat Dec. 10.
keeper, the sensation of a needle, and the feel of being scrubbed or groomed with a brush
Happy national panda day! Here at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Asia Trail exhibit, we are celebrating with giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, as well as our red panda pair, Asa and Jackie.
Using non-toxic, water-based paint, we dip the brush into the pigment, then let her
