🏳️Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
nationalzoo.si.edu
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them.
[Skip to main content](#maincontent)
Due to technical difficulties, we cannot process online payments. Free Entry Passes are still available and visitors may purchase Parking Passes at the Zoo (subject to availability).
Due to high demand, line access for the Giant Panda Habitat may close early. Arrive with time to spare for the best chance to see the bears.
**Today's hours:** 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3 p.m.)
* [Passes](https://secure.nationalzoo.si.edu)
Before you Continue...
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Great news! We're exploring a wildly new way to book your Zoo Passes. Would you like to take it for a spin?
[Yes Please!](#) [No Thanks.](#)
**Today's hours:** 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3 p.m.)
Welcome to the website of the Smithonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
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The Pandas Are Here
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](/dcpandas)
Bao Li and Qing Bao have made their public debut at Smithsonian's National Zoo. Find out how you can support the giant panda program.
[Learn More](/dcpandas)
* [Hours](/visit/hours)
* [Entry Passes](https://secure.nationalzoo.si.edu)
* [Parking & Directions](/visit/parking-directions)
* [Animal Exhibits](/animals/exhibits)
* [Zoo Map](/visit/zoo-map)
* [Events](/visit/events)
LATEST STORIES
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[](/news/discovery-hidden-groups-within-migratory-shorebird-could-aid-conservation)
March 13, 2025
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### New Study Maps Curlew Flyways
](/news/discovery-hidden-groups-within-migratory-shorebird-could-aid-conservation)
Tracking data revealed three groups of long-billed curlew, each with unique migration patterns and conservation needs.
[](/animals/news/ask-keeper-where-are-red-wolves-hiding)
March 12, 2025
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### Tips for Spotting the Red Wolves
](/animals/news/ask-keeper-where-are-red-wolves-hiding)
The Zoo's pair of red wolves, Kiawah and Redford, are experts at staying out of sight. Here are some tips to help you find them in their habitat.
[](/animals/news/get-know-herd-asian-elephants-living-zoo)
March 07, 2025
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### Get to Know the Elephants
](/animals/news/get-know-herd-asian-elephants-living-zoo)
Want to tell the Asian elephants apart? This introductory guide will help you spot each of the six residents of the herd.
[](/animals/news/maned-wolf-program-smithsonian-conservation-biology-institute-celebrates-birth-three)
February 14, 2025
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### Wolves Born at Research Campus
](/animals/news/maned-wolf-program-smithsonian-conservation-biology-institute-celebrates-birth-three)
Exciting news! A trio of maned wolf pups were born this winter at the Zoo's private conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia.
[](/animals/news/how-are-animal-matches-made-zoo)
February 10, 2025
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### How Are Animal Matches Made?
](/animals/news/how-are-animal-matches-made-zoo)
Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.
[](/animals/news/how-train-binturong-laser-therapy)
February 08, 2025
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### How to Train a Binturong
](/animals/news/how-train-binturong-laser-therapy)
How do you help a binturong with arthritis? Learn how our animal care team trained Hank to voluntarily participate in his own healthcare.
[](/news/elderly-komodo-dragon-dies-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute)
February 05, 2025
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### Zoo Mourns Loss of Komodo Dragon
](/news/elderly-komodo-dragon-dies-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute)
Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.
[](/conservation-ecology-center/news/how-protect-and-restore-grasslands)
February 05, 2025
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### How to Restore Grasslands
](/conservation-ecology-center/news/how-protect-and-restore-grasslands)
Journey to Montana with Smithsonian scientists and Tribal communities as they protect and preserve American grasslands.
[More News](/news/archive)
Live Animal Cams
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Experience giant pandas, lions, elephants and naked mole-rats in live camera views from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
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[Image:](https://www.nationalzoopanda.com/)
Store[
The Pandas Are Here
-------------------
](https://www.nationalzoopanda.com/)
The Zoo's giant pandas are part of the fabric of Washington, D.C.’s vibrant history and culture. In celebration of Bao Li and Qing Bao’s debut, we’re rolling out the black-and-white carpet for a “District of Panda” party! Join the fun and greet them in style with our latest limited-edition collection.
[Shop the Collection](https://www.nationalzoopanda.com/)
[Image:](/conservation)
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We Save Species
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](/conservation)
Our scientists and researchers play a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.
Explore our conservation programs at the Zoo and our research headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.
[Our Conservation Work](/conservation)
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[Image:](/migratory-birds/bird-friendly)
MIGRATORY BIRDS[
Live Bird Friendly® and Support Birds
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](/migratory-birds/bird-friendly)
When you purchase Bird Friendly® certified coffee or cocoa, you preserve critical habitat for birds and wildlife, fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and support farmers committed to farming sustainably.
[Learn more](/migratory-birds/bird-friendly)
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