National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Blog

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Smithsonian Voices

Meet the Striped Skunk, America's Misunderstood Neighbor

They're one of North America’s most recognizable animals, but how well do you really know these fascinating creatures?

Mike Bock | June 10, 2026

Eight Fascinating Facts About the Whooping Crane, the Tallest Bird in North America

Tall, graceful, and among the rarest birds on earth. Here are eight things you probably didn't know about this awe-inspiring species.

Mike Bock | May 22, 2026

9 Fascinating Facts About North America’s Master Builder, the Beaver

These facts will make you a beaver believer.

Mike Bock | April 3, 2026

7 Spooktacular Animal Facts for Halloween

Read on for some chilling curiosities from the creatures of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Mike Bock | October 10, 2025

8 Fascinating Facts About the Cuban Crocodile, a Rare Caribbean Predator

They’re agile on land. Intelligent in behavior. And…they can gallop like a horse? Learn what makes Cuban crocodiles so extraordinary.

Mike Bock | September 9, 2025

How Do Snakes Move Without Legs?

Snakes have adapted to climb trees, leap across hot sand, and even swim through water — all without arms or legs. What’s their secret?

Mike Bock | July 2, 2025

Meet the Bat-Eared Fox, an Unusual Animal That Can Hear Insects Burrowing Underground

Get to know the bat-eared fox, an insect-eating creature found in the grasslands and savannas of Africa (and also the Smithsonian's National Zoo.)

Mike Bock | May 16, 2025

Meet the Asian Small-Clawed Otter, an Adorable and Social Carnivore

There’s a lot to discover about the smallest species of otter — here are some fun facts about them.

Mike Bock | April 4, 2025

How Keepers at Smithsonian's National Zoo Help Giant Pandas Feel at Home

Get a behind the scenes look at how staff are helping giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao settle into their new home at the Zoo's Asia Trail exhibit.

Mike Bock | November 6, 2024

Ten Fascinating Facts About the Arapaima, the Largest Freshwater Fish in South America

A keystone species of the Amazon River ecosystem, the arapaima is a powerful predator known by many names.

Mike Bock | October 30, 2024

The Love Lives of Ducks Make for Great Drama

Breeding season at the National Zoo's Bird House can create some spectacular behavior

Mike Bock | March 25, 2024

4 Animals That Are Not as Creepy as You Think (And 4 That Are Creepier)

Seasons creepings! This Halloween, get to know some animals who don’t deserve to have such fearsome reputations... and some that you might not want to encounter alone on a moonlit night.

Mike Bock | October 17, 2023

How Do Birds Handle the Heat?

From scorching deserts to freezing oceans, birds around the world have developed incredible methods for regulating their body temperatures.

Mike Bock | August 14, 2023

Two Asian Elephants Arrive at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

The females, 19-year-0ld Trong Nhi and daughter, 9-year-old Nhi Linh, join males Spike, 41, Kamala, 47, Swarna, 47 and Maharani, 32, at the "Elephant Trails" exhibit in Washington, D.C.

Staff | November 7, 2022