On March 30, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Zoo Neighborhood Council (ZNC) held its first meeting of 2023.
trained to assist visitors who are either unfamiliar with technology or who do not have
Why is giant panda Mei Xiang sleeping for longer periods, eating less and denning? After going into estrus this spring, months later, she’s experiencing a pseudopregnancy—even though she did not breed! Learn more from curator Michael Brown-Palsgrove.
Those of you who have followed our #PandaStory updates know that Mei Xiang and her
Love is in the air for the Zoo’s Sumatran tigers, Sparky and Damai! Their relationship, says keeper Dell Guglielmo, has been blossoming ever since the pair was introduced last September.
So far, they have shown interest in one another and behaved as we would expect.
Jonathan Ballou was the population manager and a research scientist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. His research focused on the genetic and demographic problems confronted by small populations, especially of threatened species. He is recognized as a leader in developing the theoretical basis for the genetic management of small populations and in developing population management tools (software, applied theory) that are widely and internationally used by wildlife and zoo managers.
Ballou’s more recent activities have included co-authoring the text ‚Genetic Management
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?
With an aggressive attitude, an eager appetite for fish and the ability to “walk” on land, the northern snakehead fish is a powerful predator. Recently, Asia Trail keepers welcomed four snakeheads—one male and three females—into their care.
Snakehead fish have evolved to “walk” on land!
The Fly River turtle, or pig-nosed turtle, is the last living member of the Carettochelyidae family of turtles. With flipper-like forelegs, webbed hind legs and a shell covered in soft, leathery skin, it is well adapted to aquatic life.
Fact Sheet Conservation Physical Description Fly River turtles have gray bodies
See Spot. He’s a little ruby-throated hummingbird with a big personality. Spot is also super smart and has mastered scale training. Learn how Bird House keepers came to weigh him and get tips on attracting hummingbirds to your backyard!
From there, we record the birds’ measurements and keep track of whether they have
Say hello to Ariel! This sweet and social clouded leopard just joined the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s breeding program. She has the smarts to solve puzzle feeders and seems smitten with her beau-to-be, Ta Moon.
They have large paws for gripping branches, specialized anklebones for ease of climbing
Fire-bellied toads, also called bombina, are warty, aquatic toads with bright orange or red undersides. These gregarious frogs are native to China and Russia.
Males, unlike females, also have nuptial pads on the first and second fingers.
