Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them.
Old World primates and great apes, which have identical amino acids at the binding
We care for many rare and endangered species here at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, including a little brown bird named Tasi. Tasi is a 4-year-old Guam rail and a marvel, considering that just a few decades ago his species nearly disappeared.
But that changed after the arrival of the brown tree snake, a species thought to have
Celebrate giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji’s birthday—and Zoo Guardians’ first anniversary—with giant panda keeper and real-life Zoo Guardian, Nicole MacCorkle!
native to the mountains of south-central China, where they live in forests that have
From salamanders to siamangs, all Zoo animals receive veterinary care… and sometimes, that includes medicine. Find out how keepers and veterinarians give animals medicine in this update.
Do you have any pets at home — a dog or cat, maybe even some fish or a bird?
Smithsonian scientists and partners provide free test kits for salamander pet owners to screen their animals for deadly diseases that are spread through the international pet trade.
The international pet trade can unintentionally spread diseases that can have devastating
Gadwalls may appear to be simple brown ducks from afar. But up close, their subtle beauty and intricately patterned plumage emerges. Gadwalls are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed by tipping their heads downwards to feed while floating—sticking their tails and feet in the air in the process.
18-22 inches (46-57 centimeters) long, weigh 17-44 ounces (500-1,250 grams), and have
Our giant panda cub is growing! As our newborn packs on the grams, it is becoming a bit easier to spot on the Panda Cam.
Now that the cub’s markings have come in, we have a few weeks to go before the next
Don’t let his prickly appearance deter you – Quillbur is a very friendly porcupine! Get to know our new prehensile-tailed porcupine in this Q&A with Small Mammal House keepers.
Their quills have barbed ends that hook into a predator’s skin once pierced.
A small bird with a loud song, the ovenbird is a migratory songbird that passes through much of North America in the spring and fall.
They have white underparts with black streaks on the chest, similar to the wood thrush
The Smallwood’s anole is a green lizard with blue spots. It is native to Cuba, where it spends time hunting the trees for insects, grubs and frogs.
They are typically deep-green and may have blue spots.
