Photo by Roshan Patel/Smithsonian
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“Baby elephant Linh Mai made her public debut April 22 to the delight of thousands of Zoo visitors. (more…)
Zoo
“The Zoo’s day-old female Asian elephant calf explores an enclosure inside the Elephant Barn Feb. 3, 2026. Photo by Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute”
From the National Zoo:
“For the first time in nearly 25 years, elephant care staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) are celebrating the birth of an Asian elephant—an endangered species. The female calf was born overnight Feb. 2 at 1:15 a.m. to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh and 44-year-old father Spike. The pair bred in April 2024 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Asian elephant pregnancies last 18 to 22 months on average; Nhi Linh’s pregnancy was 21 months. (more…)
photo by Skip Brown, Smithsonian
Great news from the National Zoo:
“We’ve been keeping a not-so-little secret: one of the National Zoo’s elephants is pregnant First-time mom Nhi Linh is expecting a calf in the New Year. (more…)
photo by LaTur
From the Smithsonian:
“Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are reopening on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. We look forward to seeing you! More info below.
Reopening on Friday, Nov. 14
National Museum of American History
National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of Asian Art
National Zoo
Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m. ET
National Museum of Natural History
All museums, with the exception of our National Museum of Natural History, are reopening at their regular times. Please note, museums will have limited food service offerings.”
From the Smithsonian:
“The Smithsonian will reopen the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Friday, Nov. 14. All other museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will reopen on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. (more…)
Thanks to Alisa for sending this sign from the zoo loop bike path behind the zoo.
What are the best alternative routes?
photo by Lorie Shaull
From Smithsonian:
“Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with our research centers and the National Zoo. (more…)
photo by angela n.
From the Smithsonian:
“In the event of a government shutdown, our museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will remain open through at least Monday, Oct. 6. The Smithsonian will use prior-year funds still available to us to remain open. Visit si.edu for updates.”
Stay tuned.
“Dear PoPville,
We’re looking for 350 volunteers for Boo at the Zoo this year!”
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo: (more…)
photo via Smithsonian’s National Zoo
From the National Zoo:
“A new red panda has officially joined the pack! Carnivore keepers at our Front Royal, Virginia conservation campus are celebrating the birth of an unnamed cub, born to first-time mom Keahi and dad Rocket. Keepers say the cub, born June 22, is doing great. (more…)