Zoo

“For the first time in nearly 25 years” the National Zoo has a Baby Elephant – Help Name Her – See the Four Options!

By Prince Of Petworth


“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…)

Alert, Alert, Alert – Zoo Reopens Saturday!! Plus More Museum Reopening Updates

By Prince Of Petworth


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.”

Smithsonian Museums (and Zoo) Reopening Update!!

By Prince Of Petworth

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…)

Giant Panda Qing Bao is going through pseudopregnancy because joy does not come easily these days…

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

From the National Zoo:

“Earlier this spring, giant panda Qing Bao experienced her first estrus cycle—the very short window when female giant pandas are able to conceive a cub. She and male Bao Li didn’t breed this year, but changes in Qing Bao’s behavior and hormones indicate she’s going through pseudopregnancy—the phenomenon where a female panda behaves as if she is pregnant, even though she isn’t.” (more…)

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