The Hidden Architecture Behind a Wildlife-Friendly Garden at the Zoo
Zoo teams transformed the yards outside the Bird House into a thriving, wildflower-filled garden that attracts birds and other wildlife. Find out how they did it.
Mike Bock is a web content writer for the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, where he focuses on animal care, conservation science and research.
Zoo teams transformed the yards outside the Bird House into a thriving, wildflower-filled garden that attracts birds and other wildlife. Find out how they did it.
Mike BockSnakes have adapted to climb trees, leap across hot sand, and even swim through water — all without arms or legs. What’s their secret?
Mike BockAt the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Little Critters: Nature Play area, young children and their caregivers can have fun with free, nature-based play activities
Mike BockViewers can watch a litter of black-footed ferrets and their mother, 2-year-old Aristides, on a temporary live webcam.
Mike BockGet 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 BockVeterinarians performed the innovative treatment on a 4-year-old Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko, a species at the fringes of zoo medicine.
Mike BockThere’s a lot to discover about the smallest species of otter — here are some fun facts about them.
Mike BockIt's a question visitors ask staff all the time at the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Bird House. The answer may surprise you!
Mike BockThe three baby wolves were born this winter at the Smithsonian National Zoo’s conservation and research campus in Front Royal, Virginia.
Mike BockGet ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.
Mike BockThe 2-year-old male tiger is now at home with the other residents of the Great Cats exhibit. Get the facts on how animal care teams helped this endangered animal adjust to his new surroundings.
Mike BockThe Smithsonian's National Zoo's two giant pandas look quite similar to the untrained eye. Animal keeper Mariel Lally offers some tips you can use to spot the difference!
Mike BockSeveral inches of snowfall kept the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute closed to visitors this week. But the animals and their caretakers still had a good time!
Mike BockCelebrate and look back at some of the groundbreaking achievements made by Smithsonian scientists this year.
Mike BockEnjoy a look back at some incredible and heartwarming stories about the Smithsonian National Zoo's animals and the people who care for them.
Mike BockTake a look behind the scenes as animal care teams provide a daily bamboo buffet to the Zoo's new giant pandas.
Mike BockNext time you’re walking through fallen leaves in a forest, keep an eye out for the Eastern red-backed salamander—a small woodland creature with a huge role to play.
Mike BockGet 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 BockThis keystone species of the Amazon River ecosystem are a fearsome predator with many names.
Mike BockWith the help of 3D modeling technology, a team of veterinary experts successfully carried out a rare spinal surgery on an 11-month-old cheetah cub at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in August.
Mike BockThey're nutritious, affordable, and always in demand. Learn how staffers prepare and deliver thousands of bugs each week to the animals living at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Mike BockWhen the Zoo's newest Allen's swamp monkey was rejected by his mother after birth, a team of staffers stepped up to care for the infant while he was young.
Mike BockBreeding season at the National Zoo's Bird House can create some spectacular behavior
Mike BockWhen it comes to love, leave it to the beavers! Get the story of Aspen and Juniper’s rocky romance in this Q&A with keeper Jackie Spicer.
Mike BockWhen Echo's five cubs were born last fall, their exact lineage was unclear. A genetic analysis conducted by Smithsonian scientists revealed the truth.
Mike BockSmithsonian scientists discuss the impact of the first federal law designed to save endangered and imperiled animals from extinction.
Mike BockSeasons 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 BockFrom scorching deserts to freezing oceans, birds around the world have developed incredible methods for regulating their body temperatures.
Mike Bock