Jill Corcoran

August 5 at 2:00 p.m. - Tune in for The Stories, Science, and History of Birds with Smithsonian Biologist Jay Falk | A Virtual Talk.

🚨NEW EPISODE: @SimonMajumdar chats with Paula J. Johnson, Curator at the Smithsonian about #JuliaChild’s kitchen on display at @amhistorymuseum. There’re lots of stories so tune in wherever you get podcasts or👇 dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/t… EatMyGlobe.com/PaulaJohnson #FoodHistory

We’re thrilled to share that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Conservation and Sustainability has been awarded a Phase I grant from the @BezosEarthFund AI Grand Challenge for Climate and Nature! With this $50,000 Phase I grant, our team will kickstart the development of an AI-powered Biodiversity Assistant—a cutting-edge software platform designed to enhance biodiversity monitoring and support conservation decision-making in Peru’s protected areas. This software will integrate data from four data streams (environmental DNA, camera traps, acoustics, and remote sensing). This tool could revolutionize biodiversity monitoring by enhancing efficiency and reducing data processing time from 120–180 days to just 30 days, while increasing accuracy and enabling faster, more informed conservation decisions. Beyond technology, it will also build local capacity, supporting both biodiversity conservation and training the next generation of conservation practitioners. This grant supports visionary work at the intersection of technology and environmental conservation, and we’re excited to be part of a global cohort driving forward solutions that are bold, innovative, and urgently needed. This effort is made possible by our partners @wildmon_ai and Peru's National Service of Protected Natural Areas by the State (SERNANP). Photo description & credit: 1. Jessica Deichmann/Smithsonian. A jaguar is photographed stalking toward a camera trap. 2. Diego Balbuena/Smithsonian. Former Smithsonian biologist Tremaine Gregory works with Peruvian colleagues to deploy a camera trap in the Amazon. 3. Center for Conservation and Sustainability/Smithsonian. A night-vision photo of a sloth walking on the ground through the rainforest.

🌌 Rural Schools: Ready to Reach for the Stars? The Smithsonian’s STARS program is launching this fall in Arizona—bringing telescopes, hands-on astronomy, and expert training to rural public schools. 📣 Want your school or state to be next? Fill out the interest form now and get on their radar. This donor-funded initiative is all about closing resource gaps and expanding access to the wonders of space. 🚀 Don’t miss your shot to bring the cosmos to your classroom: buff.ly/RiP219Q #stem #scichat #edutwitter #cpchat #educoach

Virtual Author Talk: Brian Gratwicke and Dr. Gina Della Togna Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 11:00AM You are invited to join Smithsonian scientists as they share insights from the Smithsonian's book, Extinctopedia.

Based on actual bird & keeper from Smithsonian National Zoo research facility that imprinted on a human when young. Keeper Chris took years to gain trust; her fresh, wild dna helps to recover species. Lovely illustrations. @lightonthesea_ @DISD_Libraries #NFfriday #bookaday

Check out the beautiful book Smithsonian Kids published about our research on babbling baby bats! Illustrated by Gavin Scott and written by Paige Towler in collaboration with the Smithsonian Bat Lab. Although it was published last year, I only received my copy a few days ago 💕

"Smithsonian Birds Handbook, $19.80 (38% off) – Explore Eastern Region!" sovrn.co/0fdygq4 #BirdWatching #NatureLovers #Smithsonian

Smithsonian Scientists to Discuss Book, Extinctopedia: Discover What We Have Lost, What Is at Risk, and How We Can Preserve the Diversity of Our Fragile Planet Read the story at: newjerseystage.com/articles2/2025… @oceancountylib #NJStage #NewJerseyStage

Join us virtually on Tuesday, April 8 at 2 p.m. to explore a secret world of trees and their part in history with Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming. #monmouthcountylibrary #moncolibrary #matthewfleming #thetreebook #authortalk #smithsonian

Join Smithsonian horticulturalist Matthew Fleming as he guides us through the secret world of trees and discusses The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees. When: Tue, April 8, 11 am RSVP: visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12951025

Snow doesn’t bother Sidney the sea lion. But for our human friends, please be aware that the Zoo will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, due to winter weather. Visit nationalzoo.si.edu for more info. The California sea lions’ natural habitat ranges from the coasts of southern Mexico to as far north as Alaska, so cold air doesn’t prevent these playful pinnipeds from taking a dip. Image description: Sidney the California sea lion stands in the snow beside her pool, with her mouth open mid-vocalization. Image credit: Sarah Snider Keys, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Last year, pandas made their long-awaited return to the US. Brandie Smith, director of the Smithsonian National Zoo, explains how Bao Li and Qing Bao were picked from China's breeding program. Tune into this episode of "Peer to Peer Conversations" here: trib.al/DgyedcG

Paid three week zooarchaeology summer internship! Room and board will also be covered. Application deadline March 1. internships.si.edu/opportunity/ma…

Incredible things happening in Washington DC this morning

Important Panda PSA: the DC Panda Cam is back up and running. Happy Friday! nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-…

Congrats to curators Dr. Andrea Quattrini and Dr. Sabrina Sholts for receiving the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers.

☃️ Monday's wintry weather brought snow much fun to the Zoo!❄️ While Amur tiger Metis, scimitar-horned oryxes and red panda Asa chilled out in the snow, other animals like Asian elephant Maharani, giant panda Bao Li and North American otters Emmett and Potomac played and wrestled among the drifts. Creative keepers even provided cool enrichment opportunities for indoor animals like Virginia opossum Basil, the guinea pigs, dwarf mongoose Lilo, the meerkat mob, skunk Sauerkraut, bettong Truffle and prehensile-tailed porcupine Quillbur.

❄️🐼 Tumbling in a winter wonderland! This morning, about 5 inches of snow blanketed the Washington, D.C., area, including giant panda Bao Li and Qing Bao's outdoor habitats. Flakes stuck to their fur as the bears frolicked and somersaulted. It was 🐾paws-itively the panda *snowment* of our dreams! . . . The bear pair will make their public debut at the @Smithsonian on Friday, Jan. 24. Follow #DCPandas for updates. ✏️LEARN MORE: nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas.

Snowpanda snowpanda snowpanda 🐼☃️🚨 Watch the new @NationalZoo pandas enjoy their snow day here: bit.ly/4iXU0EN