Zoo

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…)

“Panda or Pollock? Red panda Asa creates her own work of art.” via Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the National Zoo written by Asia Trail keepers Nicole MacCorkle and Mariel Lally:

“Happy national panda day! Here at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Asia Trail exhibit, we are celebrating with giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, as well as our red panda pair, Asa and Jackie. We look forward to special days like these because they give us an opportunity to get extra creative with planning our animals’ activities for the day.

Much more panda awesomeness to see and read here.

courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“Meet Coco! He is our new golden-headed lion tamarin. He arrived from the Fort Worth Zoo and is a companion for Bahia. Although golden-headed lion tamarins live in family groups and form life-long pair bonds, Coco and Bahia will not be a breeding pair. But you can still see them jumping from branch to branch, sharing food and vocalizing to each other, which helps maintain their pair bond. Visit them at the Small Mammal House!”

Ed. Note: Besides Giant Pandas and Red Pandas (not necessarily in that in order) – golden-headed lion tamarins are THE best. This is an official proclamation on January 9th 2020 by order of the Prince of Petworth. So it is written, so it is so.