At 16 months old, Bornean orangutan infant Redd is growing stronger and more independent every day. Read all about Redd’s progress and favorite activities in the latest Q&A with animal keeper Erin Stromberg.
lean more complex husbandry behaviors, such as opening his mouth, showing us his hands
This summer has been eventful for our youngest western lowland gorilla, Zahra, who will be 16 months old on Sept. 27. Read primate keeper Francesca Bozzo’s update!
At this age, Zahra’s favorite enrichment item is anything she can get her hands on
National Bison Day is the first Saturday in November and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute has a big reason to celebrate these iconic animals! Wallow in the autumn leaves with the Zoo’s bison, Lucy and Gally, and animal keeper Regina Bakely, as she shares her stories and the institution’s history of caring for American bison.
Gally will politely take treats from some keepers’ hands but will only eat from other
Use your tiger eyes to see what it takes to care for the largest cat in the world and 2022’s Lunar New Year animal: the tiger! Get a peek inside the world of animal keeper and real-life Zoo Guardian Dell Guglielmo, who cares for the Zoo’s three tigers.
involve irresponsible breeding of tigers, as well as allowing tigers to fall into the hands
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to over a dozen species of primates. The homestead for the Zoo’s gorillas and orangutans is the Great Ape House.
With their long arms and hands, these primates are adapted to moving fast high in
Meet the lemur leaf frog! These attractive amphibians—best known for their big, beautiful eyes—are critically endangered. The good news? Reptile Discovery Center keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are working to save them from extinction.
Another great way to help is to get your hands dirty!
Seasons creepings! This Halloween, get to know some animals who don’t deserve to have such fearsome reputations… and some that you might not want to encounter alone on a moonlit night.
a slow and clumsy gait, but use their pink fleshy tails and strange, human-like hands
The Reptile Discovery Center celebrates the diversity, beauty and unique adaptations of more than 70 reptiles and amphibians.
place insects within each hole, and the lizard must use its mouth and dexterous hands
Lions, tigers, cheetahs and bobcats – let’s play! Keepers Katy Juliano, Adri Kopp and Amber Dedrick know how to get the big cats they work with pouncing, roaring and purring for enrichment.
Get your hands dirty.
Animal keeper Kyle Miller leaps into his experience caring for Cuban crocodiles!
The Cuban crocodiles would just pull that rake right out of my hands and come after
