We are sad to share that Kyle, a Bornean orangutan and beloved ambassador for his critically endangered species, passed away Jan. 10 from chronic respiratory disease. He was 28 years old. Although male orangutans do not take on parental duties, Kyle was one of his son Redd’s best playmates and served as a great adult male role model. LEARN MORE: . . . The primate team fondly remembers Kyle as a kind and gentle individual. While he has been in the Zoo’s care over the past 21 years, they watched him mature from a gangly juvenile to an adult with impressive cheek pads and boisterous displays and calls that echoed throughout the Great Ape House and Think Tank habitats. . . . Kyle contributed greatly to the community of orangutan caretakers’ knowledge of Bornean orangutans by voluntarily participating in the Zoo’s positive reinforcement training program. From the behaviors Kyle was trained to do, keepers were able to collect blood pressure readings, ECG readings and awake radiographs. Our Zoo community misses him dearly.

Drum roll please! 🥁🥁🥁 DC’s newest celebearities are HERE! Our two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, have arrived at the Zoo after landing this morning at Dulles International Airport. Get more updates about the bear pair by following #DCPandas

🦍💨🌾 ICYMI: Our spunky 16-month-old western lowland gorilla, Zahra, has a new favorite activity: throwing hay at her big brother, Moke! This often leads to lively play sessions between the pair, including wrestling matches. ✏️#GorillaStory Update:

It’s official: the pandas are coming to D.C.! Alongside @FLOTUS, we’re thrilled to announce that by the end of this year, the Zoo will once again be home to two giant pandas. #DCPandas

❤️ 🦍 Join us in wishing western lowland gorilla Kibibi a happy 15th birthday! Our “little lady” is beloved by primate keepers for her smarts, feistiness and goofiness. Chase away the winter blues and join us at the Great Ape House ~10:30 a.m. for her tropical-themed party! 🥳 🎂

Kayembe was the first baby gorilla in the Zoo’s history. His name means “extraordinary” in recognition of his amazing birth & story. Tune into #BabyGorillaCam live now on @netflix to see baby Kay & the rest of the troop. 🦍