Welcome to the website of the Smithonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

A cheetah bearing its sharp teeth

Run the Predator and Prey 5K

Registration is open to the general public for the first-ever 5K at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Spots are limited, so secure your spot today!

Three small goats share a veggie ice pop

Keeping the Farm Animals Cool

Think popsicles are just for people? The Zoo’s Kids’ Farm animals stay cool in the summer sun with frozen treats made just for them.
 

Black-footed ferret Aristides at SCBI, star of he black-footed ferret cam, in Front Royal, Virginia.

The Black-Footed Ferret Cam Is Back

Black-footed ferret mother Aristides gave birth to eight kits. Watch the growing family and learn about North America's only native ferret species.

visitors interact with a sea lion at the National Zoo

Welcome to Smithsonian's National Zoo

Immerse yourself in the wonders of wildlife at our 163-acre park in the heart of Washington D.C. Admission to the Zoo is FREE, so get your Entry Passes today.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, Sept. 12

Join us in celebrating the fourth birthday of giant panda Qing Bao — her first at the Zoo.

LATEST STORIES

August 15, 2025

Off-Exhibit, Rare Maned Wolf Pups Are Thriving

Behind the scenes, our South American canid puppies are growing fast. Get a glimpse into their daily lives in this update from the SCBI keeper team.

August 12, 2025

Climate Data Can Be Used to Map, Predict Amphibian Disease

Thirteen years of climate data helps scientists understand the spread of a deadly amphibian disease and predict potential outbreaks.

August 08, 2025

Zoo Mourns Loss of Sea Lion Nick

American Trail keepers at the National Zoo are mourning the loss of Nick, an 18-year-old male California sea lion who died suddenly Aug. 7.

August 04, 2025

Happy Birthday, Bao Li

See our giant panda celebrate his special day with a panda-friendly cake and presents from his keepers.

July 31, 2025

Secrets of Summer Panda Life

How are the new giant pandas spending their first summer? And what’s changed since they arrived nine months ago? Keeper Mariel Lally explains.

July 30, 2025

How Brazil’s Unique Canopy Bridges Are Saving Species

In this blog update, Dr. Fernanda Abra describes how a new system of canopy crossings is reducing road mortality among endangered primates in the Brazilian Amazon.

July 29, 2025

Study: New DNA Tool Identifies Animals by Their Droppings

Research from Smithsonian scientists shows that a new method of analyzing fecal samples offers improvements on traditional wildlife monitoring.

July 29, 2025

Fennec Fox Barkley Has Died

We are sad to share Barkley, an 11-year-old fennec fox, was humanely euthanized June 18.

Live Animal Cams

Experience giant pandas, lions, elephants and naked mole-rats in live camera views from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

MIGRATORY BIRDS

When you purchase Bird Friendly® certified coffee or cocoa, you preserve critical habitat for birds and wildlife, fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and support farmers committed to farming sustainably.

Our scientists and researchers play a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.

Explore our conservation programs at the Zoo and our research headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.

Shop for animal-themed gifts, plush toys, books, and apparel inspired by the amazing animals at the Zoo. Proceeds from each sale support the Smithsonian mission.