Prehensile-tailed Porcupine Quilliam Enjoys a Snack Smithsonians National Zoo 2026-09-23 | Prehensile-tailed Porcupine Quilliam Enjoys a Snack
How to Take a Lioness to the Vet! Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-08-08 | Even lions have to go to the doctor! Luckily for our lioness Shera, that just involves a short ride to our on-site veterinary hospital in a new, state-of-the art veterinary ambulance, courtesy of generous Zoo Members and supporters. Check out this video to learn more about Shera's exam.
Happy 25th Birthday, Mei Xiang! Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-07-22 | 🥳🐼 Happy 25th bearthday, Mei Xiang! 🎶 This morning, our giant panda celebrated her birthday in style with a beautiful fruitsicle cake, crafted by Department of Nutrition Sciences keepers. The tasty treat is made of frozen-diluted apple juice, bamboo, apple slices, and mashed sweet potatoes and carrots. Join us in wishing our beloved panda mom a happy birthday (and many more)! 🎂 . . . #PandaStory
B-roll: Giant Panda Mei Xiangs 25th Birthday at Smithsonians National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-07-22 | This morning, Asia Trail keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., celebrated giant panda Mei Xiang’s (may-SHONG) 25th birthday at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat. At 9 a.m., animal care staff presented her with a special panda-friendly fruitsicle cake made by the Zoo’s Department of Nutrition Science. Commissary keepers crafted the multi-tiered cake and “25” topper using frozen diluted apple juice. Mashed sweet potatoes, mashed carrots, apple slices and bamboo added a decorative flair to the festive treat. Virtual visitors tuned in to NZCBI’s Giant Panda Cam, sponsored by Boeing, to watch Mei Xiang enjoy her birthday festivities.
How Do You Train A Cow For Checkups? Pt. 3 (Feat. Magnolia) Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-07-12 | In this video: during a training session, Kids' Farm keeper Nikki Maticic asks Holstein cow Maggie to present her hoof. This training helps keepers look for any debris that may need removal or cracks that need tending to. . . . C’mon down to the Kids’ Farm and meet our moo-velous cattle: Holstein Magnolia (a.k.a. Maggie) and Hereford Willow! These sweet and charming cows are also incredibly intelligent—they have learned medical behaviors that enable our animal care team to closely monitor their health. Keeper Nikki Maticic shares some udderly fascinating training techniques in this Q+A. STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/how-do-you-train-cow-for-checkups.
How Do You Train A Cow For Checkups? Pt. 2 (Feat. Willow) Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-07-12 | C’mon down to the Kids’ Farm and meet our moo-velous cattle: Holstein Magnolia (a.k.a. Maggie) and Hereford Willow! These sweet and charming cows are also incredibly intelligent—they have learned medical behaviors that enable our animal care team to closely monitor their health. Keeper Nikki Maticic shares some udderly fascinating training techniques in this Q+A. STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/how-do-you-train-cow-for-checkups.. . . In this video: During a training session, keeper Nikki Maticic asks Hereford cow Willow to follow a target into a chute. She acclimates Willow to the sound of the doors opening and closing.
How Do You Train A Cow For Checkups? Feat. Magnolia Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-07-12 | C’mon down to the Kids’ Farm and meet our moo-velous cattle: Holstein Magnolia (a.k.a. Maggie) and Hereford Willow! These sweet and charming cows are also incredibly intelligent—they have learned medical behaviors that enable our animal care team to closely monitor their health. Keeper Nikki Maticic shares some udderly fascinating training techniques in this Q+A. STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/how-do-you-train-cow-for-checkups.. . . In this video: Holstein cow Magnolia demonstrates a few behaviors including: touching her nose to a target, backing up and opening her mouth voluntarily so her keeper can get a good look at her teeth. Maggie will also target her nose to a keeper’s hand and present her necks for voluntary blood draws.
Meet Our Meerkat Pups Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-07-12 | From sweet snuggles to sassy vocalization and snatching snacks, it’s been a busy June for our growing meerkat pups! The 1.5-month-old trio is the first of their species born at the Small Mammal House in 16 years. Keeper Ann Gutowski shares some of her favorite moments with the newest members of the meerkat mob in this Q+A. STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/new-zoo-meet-our-meerkat-pups.
#GorillaStory: Welcome, Zahra! Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-23 | On May 27, the primate team was thrilled to welcome another baby western lowland gorilla to our troop! Recently, she received her name—Zahra (“beautiful flower” in Swahili)—following a public vote. Primate keeper Valerie Schultz shares that the 4-week-old infant is doing great, nursing well and clinging tightly to her mother, Calaya. Read her latest #GorillaStory update! STORY: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/gorillastory-welcome-zahra.
Newborn Western Lowland Gorilla at Smithsonians National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-08 | A western lowland gorilla was born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. on May 27, 2023. In this video, the infant is cradled by its mother, Calaya.
Western Lowland Gorilla Born at the Smithsonians National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-08 | A western lowland gorilla was born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. on May 27, 2023. In this video, the infant is cradled by its mother, Calaya.
Western Lowland Gorilla Calaya Cradles Newborn at Smithsonians National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-08 | A new #GorillaStory chapter has begun! We are delighted to share that Calaya and Baraka welcomed their second baby early in the morning Saturday, May 27. The primate team reports that the family is doing well. They have observed the baby nursing, and it appears to be healthy and strong. Because Calaya is cradling her newborn closely, it may be some time before animal care staff can determine its sex.. . .To give Calaya and her infant a quiet space to bond, the Great Ape House is currently closed. It will reopen Tuesday, May 30. Join us in welcoming the newest member of our western lowland gorilla troop!
Newborn Western lowland gorilla and its mother at Smithsonians National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-08 | For the first time in five years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the birth of a western lowland gorilla—a critically endangered species. It was born between midnight and 6:15 a.m. on May 27 to 20-year-old mother Calaya and 31-year-old father Baraka. They bred in September 2022 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the second offspring for both parents.
B-Roll: Western Lowland Gorilla Baby Sex Revealed Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-05 | Starting today, June 5, western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). Every western lowland gorilla birth is cause for celebration as this species is considered critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. This morning, primate keepers threw a party for the gorilla troop, and festive enrichment revealed that the newborn is female. Voters can select their favorite names today through noon Friday, June 9, on the Zoo’s website. The winning name will be announced June 9.The three possible name choices were selected by the primate keepers. The name that receives the most votes will be bestowed on the baby. The choices are:Lola [LOH-la]: Yoruba for “greatness”Mkali [M-KAH-lee]: Swahili for “fierce”Zahra [ZAH-rah]: Swahili for “beautiful flower”VOTE: nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/vote-name-baby-gorilla.
The Public Can Help Name a Baby Western Lowland Gorilla Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-06-05 | Starting today, June 5, western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). Every western lowland gorilla birth is cause for celebration as this species is considered critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. This morning, primate keepers threw a party for the gorilla troop, and festive enrichment revealed that the newborn is female. Voters can select their favorite names today through noon Friday, June 9, on the Zoo’s website. The winning name will be announced June 9.The three possible name choices were selected by the primate keepers. The name that receives the most votes will be bestowed on the baby. The choices are:Lola [LOH-la]: Yoruba for “greatness”Mkali [M-KAH-lee]: Swahili for “fierce”Zahra [ZAH-rah]: Swahili for “beautiful flower”VOTE HERE: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/vote-name-baby-gorilla.
Meet Our Growing Meerkat Mob at the Small Mammal House Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-05-25 | Sound ON for the sweetest squeaks. Meerkat mom Sadie, dad Frankie and aunt Stella have their paws full with these pups. Stop by the Small Mammal House to see our growing mob.. . . LEARN MORE: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/meerkats-are-born-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute.
Meerkats Are Born at Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-05-24 | For the first time in 16 years, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., is celebrating the birth of three meerkats. Keepers in the Small Mammal House reported for duty the morning of May 10 and observed that 5-year-old Sadie had given birth overnight. NZCBI had received a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) to breed Sadie and the pups’ 6-year-old father Frankie. These pups are the first offspring for Sadie; Frankie sired offspring previously at his former zoo. Meerkats live in groups called mobs that can include as many as 30 individuals, although the average mob size is around 10 to 15 individuals. Visitors can view NZCBI’s meerkat mob—which also includes Sadie’s sister, Stella—at the Small Mammal House. In the wild, meerkat pups typically remain in an underground burrow for about three weeks. To encourage the meerkats to exhibit their natural burrowing behavior, a system of tubing—concealed within rockwork—runs along the outskirts of their habitat in the Small Mammal House. At the end of the tunnel, a nest box offers visitors a view of the meerkats’ underground sleeping chamber. The day Sadie gave birth, she surprised keepers by bringing her pups into the main exhibit space.Animal care staff are leaving the mob to bond with and care for the pups without interference. They are closely monitoring the family and have observed Sadie nursing her offspring, which appear to be healthy and strong. Because keepers and veterinarians are not handling the pups, it may be some time before they can determine their sexes. Now 14 days old, the pups are starting to open their eyes and explore their habitat. MORE: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/meerkats-are-born-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute.
I Wonder - How do scientists study birds? Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-05-04 | Do you ever find yourself wondering about something? Join Kaden in this episode of I WONDER to answer the question, how do scientists study birds? Explore this topic as we explore Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This video series is for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-5.After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
Career Connections: Migratory Bird Scientist Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-05-04 | Meet Nathan, a research ecologist and migratory bird scientist! As part of his "unZOOsual" career, Nathan study birds as they travel between their summer and winter homes to learn how to save them. After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
Learn to Draw a Bird Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-05-04 | In this activity, learn to draw the common yellowthroat, a migratory bird. Follow along as we make observations and practice drawing. You will need something to draw with and on like a pencil and paper plus something to color with like crayons or markers.
Did You Know: Limosa Harlequin Frogs Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-04-28 | Sometimes, a wave isn't always friendly.
Career Connections: Clinical Nutrition Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-04-12 | Meet Erin, the Zoo's clinical nutritionist! As part of her "unZOOsual" career, Erin determines the best diets for nearly 400 species and over 2,000 animals at the Zoo. After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
I Wonder - What does it mean to be endangered? Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-04-07 | Do you ever find yourself wondering about something? Join Kaden in this episode of I WONDER to answer the question, what does it mean to be an endangered animal and how can we help them? Explore this topic and a couple of animals at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This video series is for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-5.After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
Andean Bear Cubs Ian and Sean Learn How To Climb Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-04-06 | As adults, Andean bears build nests in trees. Before they can build nests, cubs must learn how to climb. Ian and Sean have been practicing and taking a tumble or two. But that’s ok! Bear cubs are built to be robust. After some snuggles from their mom, Brienne, they can’t wait to climb again!
Watch Andean Bear Cubs Ian and Sean Frolic At Smithsonians National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-04-05 | It is hard work being a bear cub! There are so many flowers to smell, branches to chew on and wrestling matches to have. It’s no wonder Sean and Ian get tuckered out by mid-morning. Come visit our Andean bears from 9 to 11 a.m. and see for yourself how rambunctious these brothers can be!
Andean Bear Cub Brothers Now on View Outdoors at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-03-27 | Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C. Over the past few weeks, the animal care team has worked with the brothers to prepare them for the transition. Cubs Ian and Sean began exploring the yard in mid-March alongside their mother, 4-year-old Brienne. For the past four months, members of the public have joined animal care staff in observing the cubs play and explore via a live Andean Bear Cub Cam and follow along with their growth through online “cubdates.”. . . The cubs, born Nov. 15, 2022, are the first cubs born to Brienne and 9-year-old father Quito. Ian and Sean will spend the next year with Brienne as they continue to grow, and visitors can see the bears, as well as Quito, on exhibit near the lower entrance to American Trail exhibit, weather permitting. Andean bears have unique facial markings that visitors can use to differentiate the bears. Ian has a triangle patch on his forehead similar to his great grandmother Billie Jean’s, while Sean has a hook over his right eye like Quito.. . .Sean and Ian are more than just cute, playful cubs, though. Their births were significant for the population of Andean bears in human care; they are the fourth litter of cubs born at NZCBI since 2010.. . . LEARN MORE:
Western Lowland Gorilla Is Pregnant at Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-03-23 | Primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., are making preparations for the highly anticipated birth of a critically endangered western lowland gorilla. With a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), the parents to be—20-year-old female Calaya and 30-year-old male silverback Baraka—bred in September 2022. This is the second offspring for both parents. Their first—a male named Moke [Mo-KEY]—was born April 15, 2018. The primate team is cautiously optimistic that she will deliver a healthy baby between late May and early July.Animal care staff used a common human pregnancy test to confirm that Calaya had successfully conceived. Because the team trained Calaya to participate voluntarily in ultrasounds, they have been able to monitor fetal growth and development throughout the pregnancy. However, just as with any animal pregnancy, there is a possibility that miscarriage, stillbirth or a complication could occur. The Zoo will provide updates on its gorilla troop through its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels using the hashtag #GorillaStory.LEARN MORE: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/western-lowland-gorilla-pregnant-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute.
I Wonder - What are the layers of a rainforest? Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-03-09 | Do you ever find yourself wondering about something? Join Kaden in this episode of I WONDER to answer the question, what are the layers of a rainforest? Discover the layers of the Amazon Rainforest and the animals that call it home as we explore the Amazonia exhibit at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to answer this question. This video series is for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-5.After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs Stay curious, explorers! Learn more about the Amazonia exhibit on the Zoo's website: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/exhibits/amazonia
Career Connections: Horticulturist Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-03-07 | Meet Craig, Curator of Horticulture at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Learn more about horticulture and how Craig cares for plants at the Zoo. After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
Welcome to the Bird House at Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-03-03 | Take a virtual tour of the Bird House at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute with conservation scientist Brian Evans! . . . The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) invites visitors to soar into its renovated Bird House, opening Monday, March 13. The innovative exhibit explores the fascinating world of migratory songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds native to North, Central and South American ecosystems. Migratory birds play critical roles in pest control, pollination and seed dispersal for trees and plants as well as crops. Bilingual panels—in English and Spanish—tell the story of how migratory birds connect communities and contribute to healthy ecosystems across the Americas. . . .As Zoo visitors “migrate” through the shores of the Delaware Bay, a lush prairie pothole and a tropical Bird Friendly coffee farm, free-flighted birds stride, paddle, tweet and fly all around them. These multi-sensory, immersive aviaries mimic natural ecosystems—places that are of critical importance to the annual life cycles of migratory birds and that boost human well-being. From this exhibit, visitors can learn seven simple actions to live bird friendly to protect native species in their own backyards. The Bird House opening celebration is made possible with the support of Boeing.. . . LEARN MORE: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/bird-house-reopens-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute.
Asian Elephant Nhi Linh Plays With An Enrichment Weeble-Wobble Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-02-02 | 🐘⚪ Nhi Linh is having a ball (err . . . a weeble-wobble)! On Jan. 16, our 9-year-old Asian elephant got a kick out of her enrichment toy as she and her mother, Trong Nhi, played in the Elephant Community Center. The Elephant Cam captured all the ele-FUN! 📽️TUNE IN: https://s.si.edu/3iN2cwO. . . . In the wild, Asian elephants use their bodies to fell trees and their trunks to move logs. Keepers give our elephants enrichment to encourage these natural behaviors. Toys like this help them keep physically fit and mentally sharp; they also encourage them to socialize and play!. . . Get to know Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh in this update from the elephant team! ✏️STORY: https://s.si.edu/3GxXw67.
Career Connections: Animal Keeper (Reptiles) Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-02-02 | Meet Animal Keeper and reptile trainer Kyle. Learn how reptiles are trained and why it is important. After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
#PandaStory: Xiao Qi Ji Is On a Roll Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-02-02 | Xiao Qi Ji is on a roll! The winter winds may blow chilly and cold, but they also bring out the sillies in our giant panda cub. On Jan. 19, the frisky 2.5-year-old tumbled around his outdoor habitat and showed off his unique somersault style. . . . Solo play sessions such as this help our giant panda team evaluate how Xiao Qi Ji is adjusting to spending time apart from his mother, Mei Xiang. Keepers give them access to different habitats in the morning, then reunite them in the afternoon and evening. They have noticed that Mei Xiang appears to have less patience with Xiao Qi Ji’s rambunctious antics and will vocalize or chase him when she is not in the mood to play. As we have shared in previous #PandaStory updates, his growing confidence and comfortability with spending time alone are encouraging signs that he’s growing up and getting ready to be on his own. . . . This Giant Panda Cam is sponsored by Boeing.
I Wonder - What is a reptile? Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-02-01 | Do you ever find yourself wondering about something? Join Kaden in this episode of I WONDER to answer the question, what is a reptile? Explore the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to meet some animals and learn what makes a reptile, a reptile. This video series is for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-5.After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
Andean Bear Cubs First Steps Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-01-25 | Watch out fans! Our 2-month-old Andean bear cubs are on the move. This cute clip was the first steps animal keeper Sara Collandrea witnessed the cubs take.
Andean Bear Cub Cam: Best Moments of the Week #3 Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-01-17 | It may be cold outside, but bear-y cute snuggles from our Andean Bear Cub Cam are sure to warm you up! Enjoy these adorable moments with mama bear Brienne and her two cubs while getting a good look at how big the cubs have grown.Curious what our bear family is up to right now? Watch them live on the cam: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/andean-bear-cub-cam
Career Connections: Research Ecologist Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-01-12 | Meet research ecologist Autumn-Lynn who uses technology to track migratory animals. After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
Playtime with Clouded Leopard Cubs Jilian and Paitoon Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-01-06 | Playtime for clouded leopard cubs Jilian and Paitoon! Toys that dangle, swing and roll are all the rage with these cool cats, which are well-adapted to arboreal life in the forests of Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and China. This entertaining enrichment serves to sharpen the cubs’ hunting skills, motivate them to explore their habitat, encourage problem solving and offer them choices in how to spend their time.
Andean Bear Brienne Moves Cub Out of Den Smithsonians National Zoo 2023-01-05 | On December 29, mother Andean bear Brienne carried one of her cubs out of the den for the first time! Like cats, bears carry their young by the nape of the neck, often called “scruffing”. However, carrying young takes practice. We have seen new mothers carry cubs by the mid-section, walk around with a cub's whole head in her mouth and by the ear! Don’t worry – these cubs are built tough and no one is injured during this kind of learning curve.
2022 09 23 Gorillas Baraka Moke Wrestling 003 YouTube Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-12-15 | Silverback western lowland gorillas like Baraka are fantastic guardians and protectors of their troop. Every now and then, though, Baraka is the recipient of a sneak attack—from none other than his 4-year-old son, Moke! Occasionally, he indulges Moke and joins in the fun. During a recent play bout, they both brought some signature moves, from Baraka's "spin-and-pin" to Moke's "toe tickle!" In a father-son wrestling match, everybody wins.. . .Turn up the volume and listen for low, breathy, staccato vocalizations—that is what gorilla laughter sounds like!. . .#GorillaStory. . . Follow updates on the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's western lowland gorilla troop: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/6823.
Andean Bear Cub Cam: Best Moments of the Week 2 Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-12-08 | Snuggle in! It's time for an Andean Bear Cub Cam moment with our 3-week-old cubs. Unlike several other bear species, Andean bears do not hibernate. Their native range in South America does not experience seasons like we do in North America. Instead, they only have a wet and dry season, allowing the bears to be active year round!Looking to stretch your time with this bear family? Watch them live on the Andean Bear Cub Cam: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/andean-bear-cub-cam
Keepers Top Moments: Andean Bear Brienne with Cubs Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-12-02 | How beary cute! 💕🐻 Have you see our two-week-old Andean bear cubs on the Andean Bear Webcam yet? 🧐 They can be tricky to see sometimes. 📽️ Enjoy our keeper's favorite cub sightings from the last week, and don't furget to tune in to the webcam to watch the cubs with mother Brienne live: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/andean-bear-cub-cam
Career Connections: Animal Keeper Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-30 | Meet animal keeper, Mimi, who uses her knowledge of animal adaptations to care for the over 30 species in the Zoo's Small Mammal House.After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
I Wonder - What is an adaptation? Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-30 | Do you ever find yourself wondering about something? Join Kaden in this episode of I WONDER to answer the question, what is an adaptation? Explore the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to answer this question, discover different examples of animal adaptations, and learn why they are important. This video series is for explorers of all ages but optimized for students in grades K-5.After watching, explore more videos, resources, and upcoming programs here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/school-programs
#PandaStory: Pool Party with Xiao Qi Ji Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-25 | Read the latest #PandaStory update here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/pandastory-xiao-qi-ji-reaches-big-milestone. We can’t stop (won’t stop) gushing over this guy! Our giant panda cub, Xiao Qi Ji, takes any opportunity he gets to play in water. He made quite a splash Aug. 28, 2022, as he played with a couple stalks of bamboo.
Giant Pandas Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji Enjoy Sugar Cane Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-25 | Read the latest #PandaStory update: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/pandastory-xiao-qi-ji-reaches-big-milestone. In this video: Giant pandas Mei Xiang and her son, Xiao Qi Ji, snack on sugar cane at the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat on July 20, 2022. After finishing her portion, Mei Xiang approached Xiao Qi Ji for more, but he successfully finished the treat on his own.
Andean Bear Briennes Two Cubs Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-23 | News Release: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/andean-bear-cubs-born-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute. After an eight-year hiatus, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., is celebrating the birth of two Andean bears. The cubs were born Nov. 15 to first-time parents, 3-year-old mother Brienne and 9-year-old father Quito. The first cub was born around 4 p.m. and the second around 8:30 p.m. Animal care staff is closely monitoring the mother and cubs via the Andean Bear Cub Cam on the Zoo’s website, allowing Brienne to care for her offspring without interference. Virtual visitors can also observe the Andean bear family on this temporary platform until the cubs leave the den.Keepers report that Brienne has been attentively grooming her cubs and encouraging them to nurse. Both are active and vocal, and staff is cautiously optimistic that they will thrive. These cubs are the fourth litter born at the Zoo since 2010. It will be two-to-three months before keepers and veterinarians perform an exam and determine the cubs’ sexes. They will make their public debut in early spring, after they turn 3 months old. Keepers are excited to learn if the cubs’ personalities will be curious and daring like their mother, quiet and reserved like their father or uniquely their own. The Zoo will continue to provide updates on the Andean bear family through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.“For a new couple like Brienne and Quito, it is great to see all of the management, science and time that we have put into this species culminate in such a great way,” said Sara Colandrea, NZCBI animal keeper and North American Andean bear studbook keeper and Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinator. “These cubs are extremely important to the SSP demographically and genetically since Quito’s genes are new to the North American population. We’re looking forward to watching Brienne navigate motherhood and, of course, all the cute antics we’re bound to see from little bear cubs!”
Cheetahs Amani and Cubs in the Yard Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-08 | Carnivore keepers in Front Royal, Virginia, have watched Amani's 1-month-old cubs explore and play outside. The cubs have climbed to the top of the mound, tried to climb a rock and even made it to the furthest corners of the yard. Play behavior will continue to increase as they learn skills like stalking, chasing and pouncing.
Two Female Asian Elephants Welcomed to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonians National Zoo 2022-11-07 | The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) community is celebrating the arrival two female Asian elephants, 19-year-old Trong Nhi [trong-nEE] and her daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh [nEE-lin], to Washington, D.C. LEARN MORE: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/two-female-asian-elephants-welcomed-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology. They join male Spike (41) and females Kamala (47), Swarna (47), Bozie (47) and Maharani (32) at the Elephant Trails exhibit, a habitat that includes space for socializing, training and playing while providing staff safe access to care for the animals. NZCBI received a recommendation to breed Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh with Spike from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP matches individual animals for breeding in order to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and self-sustaining population. “Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh are not only important social additions to our herd, but also they are key to our efforts to help sustain the Asian elephant population in North America and around the world,” said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. “Most people will never have a chance to see Asian elephants, which are endangered, in their native countries. However, they can observe our ambassador elephants here at the Zoo, learn about them and join our conservation efforts to protect and save this species in the wild. Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh are an energetic, dynamic duo, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their relationships with our team and their future herd-mates develop.”
