Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
518 results for "smithsonian zoo"
Behind every adorable zoo baby is a carefully orchestrated conservation effort that's helping save species from extinction. The Saint Louis Zoo has welcomed Amur tiger triplets, cheetah quintuplets, and the first-ever African painted dog pups through a nationwide breeding program designed to protect endangered animals.
Two major zoos just completed a groundbreaking gorilla exchange that's capturing hearts nationwide. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo swapped gorillas to help both animals thrive in new environments.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F35%2Fe7%2F35e7c699-b467-4f93-bfea-85562f271ae3%2Fbaby-elephant.jpg)
A healthy Asian elephant calf was born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo on February 2, the first of her species born there since 2001. You can help name her by donating to elephant conservation, with four beautiful Vietnamese names to choose from.
After nearly a decade of stalled progress, Nepal is handing over its ambitious new mega zoo to the country's leading wildlife conservation organization. The National Trust for Nature Conservation brings 30 years of zoo management experience to turn the long-frozen dream into reality.
Nashville Zoo celebrated a conservation milestone this spring with the birth of Azi, the 50th clouded leopard born at the facility since 1991. The zoo's three decades of dedication to this vulnerable species shows how zoos serve as vital safety nets for wildlife.
Seven zoos across America are teaming up to save the Wyoming toad from extinction, and this year they're celebrating a major breakthrough. One Minnesota zoo just shipped 3,000 tadpoles back to their native Wyoming home.
A 308-pound Asian elephant calf took her first wobbly steps at Washington D.C.'s National Zoo early Monday morning, marking the zoo's first elephant birth since 2000. With fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, every new arrival brings fresh hope for this endangered species.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F97%2F5a%2F975a0e7f-5d0c-40ee-8ff1-70083c7e5a50%2F20260722-817a0537-34rp.jpg)
The Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute welcomed three red panda cubs this year, marking a hopeful win for these endangered animals after challenges in previous years. The tiny cubs are already showing personality, from "huff-quacking" complaints to high-pitched whines.
Fifty-four years ago, two giant pandas touched down in Washington DC as a gift from China, becoming the first of their species ever displayed in an American zoo. Their arrival sparked decades of conservation breakthroughs and continues to delight millions of visitors today.
A Leeds zoo just earned the country's highest honor for breeding one of the world's rarest birds. Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World is now officially ranked among Britain's best zoos.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F45%2F86%2F45865779-777e-476a-8a3d-158172cd53da%2Fimg_5994.jpg)
Giant bronze bison now stand at the entrance of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, honoring both America's 250th anniversary and one of conservation's greatest comeback stories. The installation celebrates how cooperation saved a species from fewer than 1,000 animals to thriving herds today.
A baby aardvark named Womble is thriving at Chester Zoo with round-the-clock care from dedicated keepers. It's only the second aardvark born at the zoo in 94 years, bringing hope for this rare species. #
A critically endangered Bactrian camel calf named after a pioneering woman scientist brings new hope to conservation efforts at Whipsnade Zoo. The birth arrives just as the historic zoo celebrates two centuries of protecting wildlife.
England's Chester Zoo just welcomed five secretarybird chicks, the first successful breeding in the zoo's 95-year history. With only 6,700 of these remarkable African birds left in the wild, this landmark achievement offers hope for one of the world's most unusual birds of prey.
The Smithsonian is unveiling 20 new exhibitions in 2026, celebrating everything from African LGBTQ+ artists to America's 250th birthday. Major museums are also completing renovations, making it an exciting year to explore the nation's largest museum collection.
ZSLresized.jpg)
An anonymous donor just gave London Zoo £20 million to build a first-of-its-kind wildlife health center where visitors can watch veterinarians care for animals. It's the largest donation in the zoo's 200-year history.
Over 376,000 people have signed a petition to stop a massive data center from being built next to the Nashville Zoo, where it could harm 3,000 animals and strain the local power grid. Country star Brad Paisley is lending his voice to protect one of the world's top zoos.
A new interactive sculpture exhibit at Seneca Park Zoo celebrates 12 species that zoos helped rescue from the brink of extinction. Visitors can climb on and touch life-size sculptures designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
A mystery donor just gave London Zoo $25 million to build a groundbreaking wildlife hospital where visitors can watch vets care for everything from penguins to gorillas. Opening on the zoo's 200th anniversary, it's the first facility in the UK to let the public see live veterinary procedures on wild animals.
As millions brace for a massive winter storm, zoos across America are ensuring their animal residents stay safe, warm, and entertained. From heated barns to food puzzles, animal care teams are working around the clock to protect their furry and feathered friends.
Showing 20 of 518