Meerkats are active carnivores that live in burrows in Africa. These social animals live in groups, called mobs, with as many as 30 individuals that keep watch and scare off predators or other meerkats.
Description A member of the mongoose family, meerkats (also known as suricates) have
Vostok is a new face at the Zoo’s Great Cats exhibit. Explore how animal care staff helped him adjust to his new home.
Image: Smithsonian/Charlie Shaw “You have to let them talk back to you with their
Working with collaborators in host countries, Smithsonian researchers strive to bring Eld’s deer off the endangered species list.
Due to expanding human populations, these forests have largely been replaced by rice
The panda team has started seeing more pronounced behavioral changes in Mei Xiang, which is normal and expected for a pregnant or pseudopregnant giant panda. Overall, she is spending more time sleeping and is less responsive to the keepers.
the morning, but lately she has been sleeping in, only rousing after the keepers have
The New Caledonian gecko is the largest known gecko species and grows to lengths of about 14 inches. When threatened, the New Caledonian gecko can detach (and later regenerate) its tail.
They are a sexually dimorphic species; males tend to have a broader head and more
As global biodiversity rapidly declines, Smithsonian scientists are pioneering new methods of fish specimen collection, cryopreservation and banking.
Cryopreservation techniques have long been used in agriculture and conservation.
As 2019 comes to a close, we’re continuing to reflect on some of this year’s biggest conservation success stories.
We have an opportunity to take action on behalf of birds, and together, we can help
Focus on the Future is a series that seeks to highlight the early career scientists who conduct research at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Learn about undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral fellows, and the conservation research they are supporting through first-hand accounts and stories.
& Conservation Biology Institute If someone had told me 10 years ago, I would have
From smart shrews to clever coatis, every animal in Small Mammal House receives enrichment. Learn how the animal care team puts together puzzle feeders, sprinkles spices and comes up with creative elements that ensure animals keep physically active and mentally sharp.
They have to adapt to changing elements in their habitat (like weather and other
As August comes into full swing, get to know the golden lion tamarins from Kenton Kerns, assistant curator of Small Mammal House!
Tamarins are quick learners and have their own distinct personalities.
