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Tag: national zoo

  • A large ‘charismatic’ animal is about to be born at DC’s National Zoo — an Asian elephant – WTOP News

    The Smithsonian National Zoo in D.C. is preparing for the birth of a large “charismatic and charming” animal: an Asian elephant.

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    A baby Asian elephant will be born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo for the first time in 25 years

    The Smithsonian National Zoo in D.C. is preparing for the birth of a large “charismatic and charming” animal: an Asian elephant calf.

    Zoo officials announced Monday morning that an Asian elephant is expected to give birth between mid-January and early March 2026. Elephant pregnancies typically last between 18 and 22 months.

    It would be the first elephant birth at the National Zoo in nearly 25 years and a first-time pregnancy for Nhi Linh, 12-year-old elephant

    Brandie Smith, the zoo’s director, said the birth represents hope for the species’ future. “The first step to saving any species is getting people to care,” Smith said in a news release.

    “As animal ambassadors, elephant calves are as charming and charismatic as they come. I can’t wait for visitors to experience the joy of watching our multigenerational herd socialize, play and learn — reminding us how much we share with these gentle, intelligent animals.”

    The calf’s father is 44-year-old Spike, who was brought to the zoo in 2018 with hopes he would grow the herd.

    Staff are “cautiously optimistic” that Nhi Linh will deliver a healthy calf.

    Matchmakers pair ‘feisty’ Nhi Linh with ‘laid-back’ Spike

    Scientists track elephant lineage in a “studbook” and give breeding recommendations through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

    The National Zoo said factors that go into that recommendation include “the individuals’ genetic relatedness to one another, overall health and temperament.”

    The process maintains genetic diversity of the population of elephants in captivity, the zoo said.

    As far as personality traits go, zoo staff described Nhi Linh as “feisty and rambunctious.”

    “She is very inquisitive and brave when trying or exploring new things,” the zoo said in the news release. “Keepers say she is smitten with Spike, who exudes a laid-back, ‘gentlemanly’ attitude.”

    Their calf will join a herd of six elephants — its parents, grandmother Trong Nhi, 22, Bozie, 51, Swarna, 51, and Maharani, 35.

    Asian elephant Nhi Linh (foreground) is pregnant and expected to give birth in early 2026 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in D.C. Male Spike is the calf’s father.
    (background)

    background

    Zookeepers check on Nhi Linh
    It’s a first-time pregnancy for 12-year-old female elephant, Nhi Linh. She’s expected to give birth sometime between mid-January and early March 2026.
    (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

    Zookeepers said Nhi Linh has willingly participated in ultrasounds.
    Zookeepers said Nhi Linh has willingly participated in ultrasounds.
    (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

    Elephant pregnancies come with risk

    Nhi Linh was bred with Spike in April 2024 and a few months later, staff confirmed her pregnancy using a blood test.

    The female elephant willingly participates in ultrasounds to track the fetus’ development. She also takes part in daily strength and flexibility exercises, including one designed to help her nurse the calf after it is born.

    Staff will be tracking her progesterone levels to indicate when she’s ready to give birth.

    As is the case with pregnancies in other species, elephants run the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or another complication.

    Spike has sired three calves at other zoos, but none have survived.

    Around the same time Nhi Linh was bred with Spike, the stud also conceived with Nih Linh’s mom, Trong Nhi. Late last month, she showed signs of discomfort and after testing her hormones through a blood test, zookeepers believe her fetus “may no longer be viable.”

    Trong Nhi is in stable condition and is socializing as normal, zoo staff said.

    “Breeding Asian elephants in human care is worthwhile for many reasons, not the least of which is this species is critically endangered,” said Robbie Clark, elephant manager, in a news release.

    “Our team has been working tirelessly to set Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh up for success, and we were hopeful that both would have healthy calves. While that is not likely in the cards for Trong Nhi, we are excited to see how she steps into her new role as grandmother.

    A rare event at the National Zoo

    The zoo has welcomed only a few baby elephants in its history. The species is endangered, with just 50,000 Asian elephants worldwide.

    Kumari, the first Asian elephant to be born at the National Zoo in 1995, died unexpectedly after 16 months, according to Smithsonian archives.

    Kandula, another elephant born at the zoo in November 2001, became the first captive male of his species to be conceived through artificial insemination. He was moved to the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2015 to breed.

    The zoo plans to give updates throughout Nhi Linh’s pregnancy. It also hopes to raise $23 million in public and corporate donations to expand its elephant conservation program and fund research.

    This is a developing story. Stick with WTOP for the latest.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Jessica Kronzer

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  • Things to do in the DC area: ZooLights, Umbrella Art Fair … and more! – WTOP News

    The District’s National Zoo is glowing again thanks to the return of ZooLights. The event runs on winter evenings from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2026.

    A lit-up panda display dazzles visitors under a brightly colored banner of flowers at ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. (Courtesy Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    The National Zoo is glowing again thanks to the return of ZooLights. The 17th annual event runs in D.C. on winter evenings from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, with 1 million twinkling, environmentally-friendly LED lights, over 100 glowing animal lanterns and a festive atmosphere.

    Those who attend can enjoy a heated lounge with a bar for hot cocoa or adult beverages, while families can take part in a train ride that makes its way around Lion-Tiger Hill. Carousel rides are also available.

    “It is one of the most magical ways to see the zoo,” said Nikki Mounts, director of business operations at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “This is a beloved D.C. holiday tradition where you can come to the zoo and it’ll be lit up and magical and just a time to have Instagrammable moments or make core memories with your family.”

    A new feature at this year’s ZooLights is “Date Night,” which is an adults-only evening on Dec. 17. Prices for this night increase to $19 per person; the ticket cost includes one alcoholic beverage.

    Otherwise, general admission costs $9 per person with parking available at $30 per vehicle. No animals will be on exhibit during ZooLights.

    Mounts said she anticipates more than 100,000 visitors will attend ZooLights this year.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Umbrella Art Fair
    More than 100 artists are coming together at a free art fair, from Friday through Sunday. The Umbrella Art Fair includes workshops, a walking tour and a “game panel” focused on indie game developers. The event is free to attend.

    Employees Only speakeasy pop-up at Bourbon Steak
    Bourbon Steak is hosting a two-night collaboration with New York City’s speakeasy, Employees Only, on Friday and Saturday. The speakeasy is listed as one of The World’s 50 Best Bars and has been for 10 consecutive years. At this event, guest bartender Frank “Maldonado” Kurt is bringing five famed Employees Only craft cocktails to D.C. alongside Bourbon Steak lead bartender Engi Alebachew. The event does not require tickets or reservations and is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

    D.C. Punk Rock Flea Market
    On Saturday, shop at the D.C. Punk Rock Flea Market at St. Stephens in Northwest D.C. The market is free to attend, but it is requested to bring goods for a canned food drive that will benefit We Are Family D.C.

    Flower Potluck
    Northwest D.C. cafe Doubles is hosting one last Flower Potluck events this year on Saturday. The potluck invites the public to bring foraged or store-bought flowers and a vessel with the goal of creating a flower arrangement. Food and beverages are also available for purchase.

    Falling for Myself Market
    With size-inclusive vendors available, Femme Fatale D.C.’s Falling for Myself Market is a celebration of fashion, art and “empowering activities” that promote self-love. The free event is on Sunday.

    Light Yards
    Coming up soon is the annual winter extravaganza known as Light Yards. The family-friendly art installation, which runs from Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, features an interactive holiday light installation. The event is free and open to the public.

    Maryland

    Afrobeat Dance Essentials
    Immerse yourself in African dances at Mount Rainier’s Joe’s Movement Emporium. This Friday, the all-ages event allows the public to learn popular West African dance steps and Igbo cultural dance. The ticket price is “pay-what-you-wish,” starting at $5.

    “A Christmas Carol”
    Get your tickets while you can for Olney Theatre Company’s production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This version takes a twist on the classic by having actor Michael Russotto host a one-man show as he portrays nearly 50 characters on his own during the performance. The production runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28.

    Holiday Art Show & Sale
    Glen Echo Park’s annual Holiday Art Show & Sale is back and running through Jan. 4, 2026. Expect a variety of art mediums, including photography, jewelry, painting as well as holiday ornaments. For more holiday markets, check out WTOP’s holiday market guide.

    Virginia

    Hardwired: The Tribute to Metallica
    The Metallica tribute band, Hardwired, is performing on Thursday at the State Theatre in Falls Church. Tickets cost $21.50 in advance or $24.50 on the day of the show. Dinner reservations are available for an additional $12.

    Alexandria Cider Festival
    The historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria is hosting the Alexandria Cider Festival, which includes cider tastings, live music, tavern games and a food truck. Tickets cost $55 per person or $25 for designated drivers. The event is on Saturday.

    Winter Lantern Festival
    At Lerner Town Square in Tysons, celebrate the holiday season with hundreds of lanterns lit up with LEDs along an illuminated, winter-inspired night walk. Tickets to this Winter Lantern Festival include access to a high-energy acrobatic show. Ticket prices vary.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Litter of 4 cheetah cubs born at Smithsonian’s Front Royal Zoo – WTOP News

    A litter of four cheetah cubs was born on the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Front Royal, Virginia, campus in October.

    Amabala, an adult female Cheetah at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute Front Royal campus in Virginia, pregnant with a litter due in the fall of 2025. (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute/Brooke B. McDonough)
    (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute/Brooke B. McDonough)

    Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute/Brooke B. McDonough

    Cheetah Amabala with her cubs
    A Cheetah Cam image of female cheetah Amabala, with her four cubs in their den, at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
    (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Cheetah Cam)

    Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Cheetah Cam

    Pregnant adult female cheetah Amabala
    Cheetah Amabala with her cubs

    A litter of four cheetah cubs was born on the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Front Royal, Virginia, campus last month.

    Now, they can be seen through the Cheetah Cub Cam, a live camera feed available on the Zoo’s website.

    The cubs were born Oct. 17 to Amabala, a 5-year-old cheetah, who was also born on camera back in 2020. It’s her first litter. The cub’s father, Flash, is eight years old and has three cubs from a previous litter; however, male cheetahs are not involved in raising their young.

    According to the zoo, Amabala’s was the 20th litter born on the Front Royal campus. They’re the fifth litter to be livestreamed on the Cheetah Cub Cam.

    The zoo is part of the Cheetah Breeding Center Coalition, a group of 10 cheetah breeding centers nationwide working to develop and maintain a viable North American cheetah population under human care. Amabala’s cubs will likely participate in the breeding program themselves one day, as their father is considered “genetically valuable,” the zoo says.

    “Cheetahs can be challenging to breed, in part because female reproductive cycles can be sporadic and their behavior is often very difficult to interpret,” Adrienne Crosier, a cheetah biologist at the zoo’s Front Royal campus, said Saturday in a release announcing the births. “It’s taken our team of keepers, veterinary staff and biologists thousands of man hours to produce 20 litters. For that 20th litter to be Amabala’s is an exciting, full-circle moment for us.”

    Don’t be surprised if the cubs are sleeping when you check the live feed: Baby cheetahs spend most of their early weeks napping, often lying on top of one another in a heap, according to the zoo. Also expect to catch them nursing, grooming, and playfighting with each other.

    Zoo staff are remaining hands-off to allow Amabala to bond with her new babies. But they are watching the cam in case they need to step in. The cubs appear to be strong, active, vocal and eating well.

    In June, eight endangered black-footed ferrets were born at the Front Royal campus to a black-footed ferret named Aristides.

    In September 2023, five cheetah cubs — three males and two females — were born on the campus to 8-year-old Echo.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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  • The shutdown is over and DC’s National Zoo is finally open – WTOP News

    On Saturday, the Woodley Park neighborhood of D.C. was packed with people entering the National Zoo’s main gates when it reopened after the government shutdown.

    Visitors walk to the entrance of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Nov. 15, 2025, when it reopened after the federal shutdown. (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)

    It was five Saturdays ago on Oct. 11 that the gates to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo were closed to the public due to the government shutdown.

    President Donald Trump signed a bill on Wednesday that funds the government through Jan. 30, 2026, which ended the longest government shutdown in history. Now, the Smithsonian museums are reopening on a “rolling basis.”

    On Saturday morning, the Woodley Park neighborhood of D.C. was packed with people with smiles and strollers as they entered the main gates of the National Zoo.

    WTOP spoke to some visitors, including two friends who are both bird enthusiasts.

    “My friend is visiting,” Afnan, an environmental scientist, said. “I let her know that they’re going to take the animals off furlough today.”

    Nicole, Afnan’s friend, came from New Jersey and is staying up the street from the zoo on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest D.C.

    The two friends wore matching hummingbird earrings, and said their favorite bird was the cassowary.

    “It’s just so cool and pretty in blue, and they have two of them here at the zoo,” Afnan said.

    Another local living near the zoo, Seth Eames, was pleased to be back.

    “I just think it’s great that we’re back open and ready for business now,” Eames said. “We have grandkids in Rockville and Frederick; we are going to bring them down.”

    Eames and his wife, who have lived in D.C. since 2009, are happy they can once again take their neighborhood walk around the zoo.

    Along with the locals, some families traveled a great distance for the zoo’s first day back, including Charlie Bennett and his 8-year-old son Matthew.

    “We came down from West Virginia to see the zoo today,” Bennett said. “I think it’ll be a really great day, and we’re thankful to have this opportunity.”

    The two drove for an hour and a half for a day of fun at the zoo.

    “We wanted to see the pandas. They are my new favorite animal,” Matthew said.

    It should not be a surprise that a lot of visitors’ first stop when they arrive at the zoo is at the panda house.

    Ten-year-old Rosaline told WTOP she was also there to see the pandas: “We didn’t drive here because we don’t want to be in the traffic, so instead we took a Metro train.”

    Traveling from Fort Meade with Rosaline was her 7-year-old sister, Evangeline, and their mom, who said she was “married to an Army guy.”

    While Evangeline also wanted to see a panda, there was another animal on her “must-see” list.

    “A piggy thing that looks like a pig but doesn’t look kinda like a pig,” she said.

    Thanks to the National Zoo staff, the animal’s name is the red river hog.

    Another family entering the zoo with a stroller was the Andrews family from Howard County, Maryland.

    “I’m a furloughed government employee, we’ve been sitting around, and now we’re getting out for the first time,” Cherisa Andrews said.

    Joining Cherisa with her husband, Aaron, was their 2-year-old daughter, Serenity, who was going to see elephants for the first time.

    “Serenity is into the elephants, so I’m excited to see her reaction,” Aaron said. “This is a big day for her.”

    The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. While it’s free to visit the zoo, you need an entry pass and parking is $40.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Jimmy Alexander

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  • ‘Huge difference’: DC businesses feel impact of National Zoo’s closure — and reopening – WTOP News

    A bakery near the National Zoo is celebrating the impending return of zoo visitors after seeing a drop in foot traffic and sales during the government shutdown.

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    National Zoo reopens, bringing relief to Cleveland Park businesses

    The District’s Cleveland Park neighborhood lives and breathes around the Smithsonian National Zoo and its pandas.

    But for the past 40-odd days, businesses around the zoo have faced a diminishing wave of customers due to the zoo’s closure during the federal government shutdown.

    In recent years, new shops along Connecticut Avenue have leaned into the panda theme, hoping to capture some of the millions of people who normally visit the D.C. zoo each year.

    One longtime neighborhood staple is Baked by Yael, a nut-free, kosher bakery that specializes in bagels and “Panda Pops.”

    “The zoo has the cute animals. They go see the animals, and then they come across the street to us. And if the zoo is closed, they’re not coming,” said Yael Krigman, the owner and president of Baked by Yael.

    She’s no stranger to navigating uncertain times. Last year, her business took a hit when D.C.’s pandas temporarily left the area.

    “We’ve been making Panda Pops throughout the entire shutdown, because everybody needs a little joy, even during a government shutdown,” Krigman added.

    Even with strong community support, the impact was clear.

    “We’ve been very lucky that we have the support of a community around us, and so we’ve definitely had some foot traffic,” Krigman said.

    But Krigman said the bakery missed out on potential business from the missing zoo visitors. Last year, about 1.6 million people checked out the National Zoo.

    “There’s a huge difference,” Krigman said. “We pay rent to be across the street from the National Zoo. When the zoo is closed, our sales go down significantly. There’s no walk-in traffic.”

    And this is not the first government shutdown her bake shop has had to weather.

    “Sadly, this is not our first government shutdown, so we are accustomed to pivoting and hustling,” Krigman said. “We stay in business no matter what the government is doing. Whether they’re at work or not, we are at work.”

    During this latest shutdown — just as in 2019 — Baked by Yael offered free meals to zookeepers and treats and bagels to federal workers.

    “We’re really happy that the government is open and that the zoo is going to be open, and that is a huge relief for all of us,” Krigman told WTOP. “But we work non-stop no matter what.”

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Abigail Constantino

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  • With the federal shutdown over, here’s when Smithsonian museums will open – WTOP News

    The National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will officially reopen tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 14.

    Now that President Donald Trump signed the funding bill passed by Congress into law Wednesday night to end the government shutdown, D.C.’s Smithsonian museums will open their doors once again.

    The National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will officially reopen Friday, according to a statement from the Smithsonian’s Office of Public Affairs.

    All the other museums, National Zoo and research centers will reopen on a “rolling basis” by Monday, the statement said.

    If you’re planning a visit to a Smithsonian museum and want to stay updated on openings, visit the Smithsonian’s website.

    The Smithsonian shuttered its museums and the National Zoo on Oct. 12, after using last year’s funds to stay open during the first 11 days of the shutdown.

    As a result, the National Zoo’s annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, was canceled and visitors were unable to visit Smithsonian museums for over a month.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Diane Morris

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  • Government shutdown causes a real Boo at the Zoo – WTOP News

    Visitors are expressing their disappointment that the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo will be closed to the public due to the government shutdown.

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    Government shutdown causes a real Boo at the Zoo

    The National Zoo’s annual event, Boo at the Zoo, has a new meaning this year.

    It took until day 11 of the federal government shutdown before the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in D.C. had to shut their doors and gates to the public for the last time.

    They both were using last year’s funds to stay open during the shutdown.

    The line to pull into the parking lot of the National Zoo was backed up on Connecticut Avenue on Saturday, as both tourists and locals attempted to get one last peak at their favorite animals.

    Eight-year-old Molly was posing by the massive letters spelling out zoo while her mother took pictures.

    “I saw pandas, I saw the sloth bear, and I went into the big ape house,” said Molly. “My mom said we can get ice cream.”

    Molly and her mother Bettina were visiting from Palm Beach, Florida, and went to between four and five different Smithsonian museums since they arrived on Wednesday.

    “I think that we’ll see a resolution soon, I hope, and in the meantime, I do hope that all the furloughed workers see their back pay,” said Bettina.

    A lot of locals look at the zoo and the Smithsonian with pride when they show out-of-town guests their home city.

    One of those is Vanessa Furtado, who along with her husband and son, brought her parents, who are visiting from Chicago, to the zoo.

    “The fact that everything is free for people to come and see, is a big draw for folks,” said Furtado. “Big bummer when it’s shut down.”

    Furtado was asked if she had a message for those in Congress.

    “Come to the table and start talking to each other, hardworking government employees who are doing their jobs not getting paid. So, let’s end the shenanigans,” said Furtado.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Jimmy Alexander

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  • WATCH: Giant panda Qing Bao celebrates 4th birthday at DC’s National Zoo – WTOP News

    Qing Bao, a giant panda, celebrated her fourth birthday on Friday, at the National Zoo — her first since coming to the District in October 2024.

    Giant panda Qing Bao celebrated her fourth birthday on Friday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in D.C.

    This was her first birthday at the zoo since she came to the nation’s capital in October 2024 with Bao Li.

    She was presented with a panda-friendly fruitsicle cake made of frozen, diluted beet, pineapple and apple juice with water.

    The cake, which was made by the zoo’s commissary team, was decorated with apples, blueberries, peaches, shredded carrots, strawberries and peaches with a big No. 4 sculpture, the zoo said.

    Also, the zookeepers gave Qing Bao a new navy blue jolly ball, which they attached to a tree branch. After batting the ball from the tree branch, she found a number of pink, purple and yellow enrichment boxes and went to one box that said “QB Pie” and took small bites on the corners, the zoo said.

    Then she looked at a box saying “4-Ever Sweet” and ripped it open and found a cooked sweet potato. Qing Bao went to her cake, took the “4” sculpture from the top and ate a few fruits, according to the zoo.

    Qing Bao is described as a panda who is “intelligent, curious and inquisitive,” the zoo said.

    “It’s been really fun to see her personality emerge,” Laurie Thompson, assistant curator of giant pandas, said in a news release.

    “She was very reserved and cautious when she arrived, but now she is much more confident! She’s also become more interested in interacting with keepers. She waits for both keepers to say goodnight to her before she will go inside for the evening.”

    Qing Bao made her long-awaited debut, along with Bao Li, at the D.C. zoo in January.

    Giant panda Qing Bao celebrated her fourth birthday on Sept. 12, 2025 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. An ice cake for the celebration for her was prepared by zoo staff.
    (Courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo)

    Courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo

    Giant panda Qing Bao's 4th birthday
    Qing Bao looks at a box saying “4-Ever Sweet” before ripping it open to find a cooked sweet potato on Sept. 12, 2025 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
    (Courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo)

    Courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo

    Giant panda Qing Bao's 4th birthday
    Qing Bao is described as a panda who is “intelligent, curious and inquisitive,” according to the zoo, on her fourth birthday on Sept. 12, 2025 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
    (Courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo)

    Courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Tadiwos Abedje

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  • Kamala, beloved Asian elephant at National Zoo, euthanized after failing health – WTOP News

    Kamala, beloved Asian elephant at National Zoo, euthanized after failing health – WTOP News

    Kamala, a longtime member of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Asian elephant herd, was euthanized on Saturday following years of struggling with osteoarthritis.

    Asian elephant Kamala often raised her trunk to greet keepers in anticipation of receiving food. (Courtesy Robbie Clark, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
    (Courtesy Robbie Clark, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Courtesy Robbie Clark, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

    Asian elephant Kamala with trainer
    Asian elephant Kamala participates in a training session with animal keeper Amanda Bobyack at the Elephant Trails outdoor habitat. (Courtesy Amanda Bobyack, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
    (Courtesy Amanda Bobyack, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Courtesy Amanda Bobyack, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

    Asian elephant Kamala raising her trunk
    Asian elephant Kamala with trainer

    Kamala, a longtime member of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Asian elephant herd, was euthanized Saturday in D.C. following years of struggling with osteoarthritis.

    Even while measures were taken over the last several years to preserve Kamala’s health and quality of life, her physical condition had irreversibly declined, the Smithsonian said in a news release.

    “Given Kamala’s declining quality of life and poor long-term prognosis, animal care staff made the decision to humanely euthanize her,” the zoo said in a statement.

    Kamala, who was born in the wild, was estimated to be about 50 years old.

    After she was put to sleep, the zoo said other members of the elephant herd, Maharani, Swarna, Spike, Bozie, Trong NHI and NHI Linh, were given an opportunity “to spend some time with their deceased herd mate.”

    According to the zoo, Kamala was born in Sri Lanka around 1975 and first lived at an elephant orphanage in Pinnawalla, before being moved with her longtime herd mate, Swarna, to the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada. Kamala gave birth to two offspring while in Canada.

    Kamala, her daughter Maharani, and Swarna were all transferred to the National Zoo in D.C. in 2014. It was around then animal care staff at the zoo began noticing and treating the symptoms that would eventually develop into severe osteoarthritis.

    Her longtime elephant companions, Maharani and Swarna, were the last to visit with Kamala after her passing Saturday afternoon.

    “Swarna and Maharani were the last to visit. Maharani spent quite a long time investigating the body, blowing into her mouth and trunk and nudging Kamala’s head,” according to the zoo.

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Joshua Barlow

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  • National Zoo’s oldest sea lion, who ‘always kept keepers on their toes,’ dies at 19 – WTOP News

    National Zoo’s oldest sea lion, who ‘always kept keepers on their toes,’ dies at 19 – WTOP News

    Keepers with the Zoo’s American Trail exhibit noticed that Summer, a female California sea lion, was lethargic and not eating on June 26.

    Summer, the National Zoo’s oldest sea lion, died June 27 at the age of 19, the Zoo announced Friday. (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Summer, the oldest sea lion at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, was humanely euthanized on June 27, the zoo announced Friday. She was 19.

    Keepers with the zoo’s American Trail exhibit noticed that Summer, a female California sea lion, was lethargic and not eating on June 26, according to a news release from the zoo. The zoo’s veterinary team gave her fluids, antibiotics and steroids, but her condition had not gotten any better by the next day.

    The veterinary team conducted a follow-up exam, which showed signs of kidney failure, as well as potential heart disease. That’s when the zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams “made the difficult decision” to euthanize Summer due to concerns about her quality of life, according to the release.

    According to a necropsy performed by zoo pathologists, Summer had abnormalities in her kidneys and fluid in her lungs and trachea. The zoo said a full pathology report will come out in the next few weeks.

    Summer was a California girl, born on the beaches of Malibu on June 17, 2005, according to the zoo. She was abandoned by her mother shortly after birth and taken in by wildlife rehabilitators for hand-rearing.

    Summer made her D.C. debut in 2006, when she came to the zoo with another female sea lion named Calli.

    “If Summer didn’t want to do something, she would let you know,” said Ashley Graham, assistant curator of American Trail. “She always kept keepers on their toes.”

    According to the zoo, while she could have an attitude with keepers, Summer was “particularly gentle” with the younger sea lions. She never had pups of her own, but was like a “second mom” to Calli’s little ones and was always the first adult to be introduced to juveniles, keepers said.

    The median life expectancy for California sea lions in human care is 20 to 25 years, according to the news release.

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    Kate Corliss

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  • Giant pandas are coming back to the Smithsonian National Zoo – WTOP News

    Giant pandas are coming back to the Smithsonian National Zoo – WTOP News

    After a long and bittersweet farewell before embarking on a FedEx plane to China in November, the giant pandas are coming back to the nation’s capital.

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    After a long and bittersweet farewell before embarking on a FedEx plane to China in November, the giant pandas are coming back to the nation’s capital.

    The Smithsonian National Zoo announced Wednesday that two new pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will be transported to the zoo by the end of the year.

    Brandie Smith, the zoo’s John and Adrienne Mars Director, said resuming the giant panda conservation program partnership with China proves that the institution’s “collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact.”

    Bao Li is a descendent of the Smithsonian’s former “panda family.” The two-year-old male panda is the son of Bao Bao, who was born at the D.C. zoo in 2013.

    “Through this partnership, we have grown the panda population, advanced our shared understanding of how to care for this beloved bear and learned what’s needed to protect wild pandas and preserve native habitat,” Smith said.

    The FedEx “Panda Express” will be called into service again to transport the giant pandas from China to the D.C. zoo. The pandas will then be placed in quarantine and settle into their habitat for a few weeks before the institution’s animal care team decides that the pandas are ready for their public debut.

    Smith, first lady Jill Biden and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch announced the imminent arrival of new giant pandas in a video Wednesday morning.

    Six months ago, just days after Tian Tian, Mei Xiang and Xiao Qi Ji arrived in China after their 19-hour flight, panda-lovers hopes rose with news that China may be sending new pandas to the United States, The Associated Press reported. This came after Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden held their first face-to-face meeting in a year.

    The panda program from China has long been used for diplomacy. In recent years, China has lent out pandas to Russia and Qatar. But diplomatic relations with the United States had been a little rockier, and China has begun gradually withdrawing its giant pandas from zoos in the U.S. and Europe.

    They were a gift after a historic trip to China

    In 1972, 25 years of isolation between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China came to an end when President Richard Nixon paid a visit to China that established diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    During a dinner in February 1972 during the seminal trip, first lady Pat Nixon mentioned her fondness for the giant pandas to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. After, the premier gifted two giant pandas to the American people as “gesture of good will,” according to the National Zoo’s website.

    Ling-Ling (a female) and Hsing-Hsing (a male) arrived at the National Zoo later that year in April, drawing millions of fans from around the world to the zoo. The pair spent 20 years together, giving birth to five cubs. Unfortunately, none survived.

    Ling-Ling died in 1992 from heart failure. She was 23. Due to age-related illnesses and a terminal kidney disease, Hsing-Hsing was euthanized in 1999 at age 28.

    More than a year after the death of the zoo’s first panda pair, Mei Xiang (female) and Tian Tian (male) arrived at the zoo. Unlike Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, the couple were on loan following an agreement wherein the two would live at the zoo for 10 years in exchange for $10 million and the sharing of conservation effort expertise with China.

    The zoo renewed its Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association three times since 2000.

    What Smithsonian scientists learned about panda behavior and breeding

    Smithsonian scientists and animal care staff learned a great deal about panda breeding, cub development and panda native habitats, leading to valuable insights about how to care for them and conserve wild panda populations.

    After several natural and artificial breeding attempts, Mei Xiang give birth to Tai Shan in 2005. Tai Shan left the zoo for the Wolong Nature Reserve in China in 2010.

    Mei Xiang gave birth to Bao Bao in 2013 and to Bei Bei in 2015. Bao Bao left for China in 2017. Bei Bei left in 2019.

    In August 2020, Mei Xiang give birth to a male cub, Xiao Qi Ji. Later in December, the zoo announced another three-year extension with the China Wildlife and Conservation Association.

    In September 2023, as the latest agreement drew to a close, the National Zoo held “Panda Palooza: A Giant Farewell” about a month before Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub left for China.

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    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Emily Venezky

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