via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

And there was great joy throughout the land.

From the National Zoo:

“Giant panda Mei Xiang gave birth to a cub at Smithsonian’s National Zoo today, Aug. 21.

Animal care staff witnessed the birth at 6:35 p.m. Mei Xiang picked the cub up immediately and began cradling and caring for it. The panda team heard the cub vocalize and glimpsed the cub for the first time briefly immediately after the birth. (more…)



Photo by angela n.

Huge Giant Panda cub potential update from the National Zoo:

“Keep your paws crossed! This morning, Zoo veterinarians saw some exciting movement during giant panda Mei Xiang’s ultrasound. Her fetus was kicking and swimming in the amniotic fluid. Its spine and blood flow were also clearly visible. We hope to have a healthy cub in the coming days!” (more…)


From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Veterinarians at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo detected tissue consistent with fetal development during giant panda Mei Xiang’s ultrasound this morning, Aug. 14. It is too early to determine if the tissue is a completely viable developing fetus as there is the potential that the fetus could be resorbed. If the fetal tissue continues to develop, veterinarians estimate that Mei Xiang could give birth within the next few days.”

STAY TUNED.



3001 Connecticut Ave, NW

From a press release:

“FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Elevation Burger and seven other restaurant concepts, in partnership with Franchisee, Yousuf Nagaria of Capitol Concessions LLC, announces the opening of a new location in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The grand opening is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2020.

“Elevation Burger is a fan favorite in the communities surrounding Washington D.C. and it was only natural to add a location in the Nation’s Capital,” said Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands. “We’re thrilled to become a part of the experience that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo provides to so many families and individuals.” (more…)



Photo by Miki Jourdan

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Beginning Friday, July 24, we are excited to welcome you back to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! We’ve made several changes to provide a safe and great experience for our visitors, staff and animals.

In addition to limiting the number of visitors, we’ve implemented new safety protocols, procedures and guidelines. These changes include timed entry passes, requiring face covering for all visitors ages 6 and up, enhanced cleaning, and helpful social distancing markers and hand-sanitizing stations throughout the Zoo. For everyone’s safety, some areas of the Zoo are closed. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.

For more information, visit the Reopening Page on our website, and check out these Frequently Asked Questions.

We look forward to seeing you soon! (more…)



courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“On April 8, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomed a litter of four chirping cheetah cubs — three boys and one girl. People all across the world have tuned in to the live Cheetah Cub Cam to see the cubs as they grow more mobile and playful by the day.

Now, we need your help to name the cubs!

Learn more about each name below, and cast a vote for your four favorites. The winning names will be announced Wednesday, May 27, here.

Learn more about each name: (more…)



Ambika, courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Ambika, the beloved eldest member of our Asian elephant herd, was humanely euthanized yesterday. At 72 years old, she was a true giant in the conservation community. Having lived at the Zoo for 59 years, it is impossible to quantify the millions of people she has inspired to care about conservation. However, it is fair to say that all who knew Ambika loved her. We miss her dearly. (more…)


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