Conservation and Science: The Hidden Zoo

The National Zoo has a long history of innovation and leadership in the care and exhibition of wild animals. Our exhibits are more than just places within the Zoo. They include educational and scientific programs both on-site and around the world.

Behind the scenes, in the hidden Zoo, we:

• are an extraordinarily dedicated and talented staff, internationally recognized for our expertise as zoo professionals and for our collaborative work in global conservation.
  
• work with zoos, conservation organizations, universities, governments, and other partners all over the world.
  
• provide our animals with health care that incorporates the most sophisticated advances in veterinary medicine.
  
• work in multiple places: the exhibits and behind the scenes at the Zoo, at the Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Virginia, and in field sites around the world.

In fact, the National Zoo has a long history and strong commitment to the scientific study and conservation of animals and their habitats throughout the world. The National Zoo was one of the first to support scientific research involving the species represented in its exhibits, as well as their relatives and other species of concern.

The strength of our scientific research is in reproductive biology, veterinary medicine, behavior, conservation ecology and nutrition, population management, biodiversity monitoring, and professional training in these disciplines.

What's more, we train future zoo and conservation professionals in veterinary medicine, wildlife management, and other disciplines, and we share our expertise with other zoos and conservation organizations in the United States and abroad.