Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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White House Fact Sheet: Ushering in a New Era of Discovery
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Nov. 24, 2025:
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President Donald J. Trump Unveils the Genesis Mission to Accelerate AI for Scientific Discovery
USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF DISCOVERY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order launching the Genesis Mission, a new national effort to use artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how scientific research is conducted and accelerate the speed of scientific discovery.
* The Genesis Mission charges the Secretary of Energy with leveraging our National Laboratories to unite America's brightest
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Nov. 24, 2025:
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President Donald J. Trump Unveils the Genesis Mission to Accelerate AI for Scientific Discovery
USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF DISCOVERY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order launching the Genesis Mission, a new national effort to use artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how scientific research is conducted and accelerate the speed of scientific discovery.
* The Genesis Mission charges the Secretary of Energy with leveraging our National Laboratories to unite America's brightestminds, most powerful computers, and vast scientific data into one cooperative system for research.
* The Order directs the Department of Energy to create a closed-loop AI experimentation platform that integrates our Nation's world-class supercomputers and unique data assets to generate scientific foundation models and power robotic laboratories.
* The Order instructs the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) to coordinate the national initiative and the integration of data and infrastructure from across the Federal government.
* The Secretary of Energy, APST, and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto will collaborate with academia and private-sector innovators to support and enhance the Genesis Mission.
* Priority areas of focus include the greatest scientific challenges of our time that can dramatically improve our Nation's national, economic, and health security, including biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear fission and fusion energy, space exploration, quantum information science, and semiconductors and microelectronics.
HARNESSING AI FOR OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: With the Genesis Mission, the Trump Administration intends to dramatically expand the productivity and impact of Federal research and development within a decade.
* Despite research budgets soaring since the 1990s, scientific progress has stalled--new drug approvals have declined, and more researchers are needed to achieve the same outputs.
* Harnessing AI as a scientific tool will revolutionize the way scientific research is conducted.
- For example, AI technologies can generate models of protein structures and novel materials, design and analyze experiments, and aggregate and generate new data faster and more effectively. Research that once took years could now take weeks or months.
* To do this, AI needs large amounts of organized and high-quality data and significant computing power. These datasets and computing technology already exist within DOE's National Laboratories. With the Genesis Mission, the Trump Administration is bringing the power of AI to bear on our already expansive data infrastructure and creating a platform for multiple Federal research agencies and the private sector to collaborate to achieve breakthroughs currently thought impossible, and to win and stay ahead in the AI race.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S AI DOMINANCE: President Trump continues to prioritize America's global dominance in AI to usher in a new golden age of human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
* In January, President Trump signed an Executive Order to reverse harmful Biden Administration AI policies and enhance America's global AI dominance.
* In April, President Trump signed an Executive Order to advance AI education for America's youth.
* In July, President Trump signed Executive Orders to prevent woke AI in the Federal government and promote the export of full-stack American AI technologies.
* In July, President Trump issued America's AI Action Plan, a policy agenda identifying nearly a hundred Federal actions to accelerate American AI innovation, build AI infrastructure at home, and lead in international diplomacy and security.
- The AI Action Plan includes recommended policies for investing in AI-enabled science, including the direction to build world-class data sets.
* In September, the President signed an Executive Order on harnessing AI innovation to unlock cures for pediatric cancer, using the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, which President Trump initially established in 2019 to collect, generate, and analyze childhood cancer data.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-unveils-the-genesis-missionto-accelerate-ai-for-scientific-discovery/
White House Fact Sheet: Securing America From Extraordinary Threats
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Nov. 24, 2025:
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President Donald J. Trump Begins Process to Designate Certain Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists
SECURING AMERICA FROM EXTRAORDINARY THREATS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to consider whether certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The White House issued the following fact sheet on Nov. 24, 2025:
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President Donald J. Trump Begins Process to Designate Certain Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists
SECURING AMERICA FROM EXTRAORDINARY THREATS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to consider whether certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists(SDGTs).
* The Order directs the two aforementioned Secretaries, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report on whether to designate any Muslim Brotherhood chapters, such as those in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, as FTOs under 8 U.S.C. 1189 and SDGTs under with 50 U.S.C. 1702 and Executive Order 13224.
* It mandates the Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury take action within 45 days after the report to designate chapters as FTOs and SDGTs if appropriate.
* The Order's ultimate aim is to eliminate the designated chapters' capabilities and operations, deprive them of resources, and end any threat such chapters pose to U.S. nationals and the national security of the United States.
COUNTERING TERRORIST THREATS: President Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood's transnational network, which fuels terrorism and destabilization campaigns against U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East.
* In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attack, the military wing of the Lebanese chapter of the Muslim Brotherhood helped terror groups launch multiple rocket attacks against both civilian and military targets within Israel.
* A senior Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leader encouraged violent attacks against U.S. partners and equities in the Middle East on the same day that Hamas perpetrated the October 7 attack.
* Reports indicate Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood leaders have long provided material support to the militant wing of Hamas.
SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN SECURITY AND DEFENDING U.S. INTERESTS ABROAD: President Trump continues to prioritize robust counterterrorism measures to protect Americans and strengthen national security against foreign threats, while promoting peace and stability around the world.
* In January, President Trump initiated the process to designate Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as an FTO to ensure the safety and stability of our closest regional partners in the Middle East.
* In February, President Trump's State Department designated eight cartels as FTOs and SDGTs, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, to combat their violence and drug trafficking.
- This Administration has deported hundreds of terrorist gang members, and will never allow foreign terrorist enemies to operate on American soil and endanger our people.
* In June, President Trump signed a Proclamation to restrict the entry of non-immigrants from countries with a history of terrorism or other lawlessness.
* President Trump has repeatedly ordered lethal strikes against narcoterrorists to stop drugs from flooding into our country.
* With today's Order, President Trump is once again taking steps to preserve international peace and stability and keep America safe.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-begins-process-to-designate-certain-muslim-brotherhood-chapters-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations-and-specially-designated-global-terrorists/
Secretary of State Rubio, Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Yermak Issue Remarks to Press in Geneva, Switzerland
GENEVA, Switzerland, Nov. 25 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following transcript of Secretary Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak's remarks to the press on Nov. 23, 2025:
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SECRETARY RUBIO: All right.
QUESTION: Good evening.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Hey, guys, how we doing?
QUESTION: Good. Thanks for welcoming us.
MR YERMAK: Hello.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you for coming. So let me - at the outset let me say we're going to come back here in a few minutes, in maybe an hour or two hours from now, so I'm not going to take questions now because - we're not
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GENEVA, Switzerland, Nov. 25 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following transcript of Secretary Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak's remarks to the press on Nov. 23, 2025:
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SECRETARY RUBIO: All right.
QUESTION: Good evening.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Hey, guys, how we doing?
QUESTION: Good. Thanks for welcoming us.
MR YERMAK: Hello.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you for coming. So let me - at the outset let me say we're going to come back here in a few minutes, in maybe an hour or two hours from now, so I'm not going to take questions now because - we're notgoing to take questions now because we want to come back to you. But we wanted to keep you updated.
So it is in my personal view that we've had probably the most productive and meaningful meetings so far in this entire process since we've been involved, from the beginning. We have a very good work product that was already built on a foundation of input from all the relative parties involved here, and we were able to go through some of those items now point by point, and I think we made good progress. Our teams are - have now gone to their rooms as we're working on some of the suggestions that were proffered to us. So we're working through making some changes, some adjustments, in the hopes of further narrowing the differences and getting closer to something that both Ukraine and, obviously, the United States are very comfortable with.
Obviously, this will ultimately have to be signed off by our presidents, although I feel very comfortable about that happening given the progress we've made. And then obviously there's the Russian side of the equation. But again, we think we have some pretty substantial insights over the last nine months into some of the things that are really important to them.
So, I think the takeaway from it is I think this was a very, very meaningful, I would say probably best meeting and day we've had so far in this entire process, going back to when we first came into office in January. But there's still some work left to do and that's what our teams are going to be doing right now, and we'd like to come back to you maybe a little later tonight with further updates.
MR YERMAK: Dear journalists, dear Marco, and I want to confirm that we have very productive first session with distinguished American delegation. We have very good progress and we are moving forward to the just and lasting peace. Ukrainian people deserve and want this peace more than anymore - anyone in this planet. We thank our big friends, United States and personal President Trump and his team, to their commitment to bring this peace. And we will continue to work today, as Secretary said. We will be working and in coming days to join proposals, and we will - also will engage our European friends and, of course, the final words will be of our leaders, of the President of United States, and Ukraine, and I hope that we can achieve the good progress today. Thank you.
QUESTION: Do you think this process can -
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. We'll be back to you in - and we'll be back to you in a little while with more. I know you have questions. Let us work on more answers for you and then - because we're - literally we wanted to update you, but this is literally an ongoing process. But we wanted to keep you up to date on what's happening. We will come back to you later tonight and maybe at that time be able to answer maybe some of the specific questions that you have. But let's get - let's get back to work and we'll be back to you pretty soon. Okay? Thank you.
MR YERMAK: Thank you.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/11/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-and-ukrainian-presidential-office-head-andriy-yermak-remarks-to-press/
Luzerne County Clothing Store Owner Sentenced to Over 20 Years of Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking
SCRANTON, Pennsylvania, Nov. 25 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Nov. 24, 2025:
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Luzerne County Clothing Store Owner Sentenced to Over 20 Years of Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 21, 2025, United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced James Rodriguez, Jr. a/k/a "Mack Mulla," age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to 242 months' imprisonment for drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney
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SCRANTON, Pennsylvania, Nov. 25 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Nov. 24, 2025:
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Luzerne County Clothing Store Owner Sentenced to Over 20 Years of Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking
The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on November 21, 2025, United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced James Rodriguez, Jr. a/k/a "Mack Mulla," age 33, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to 242 months' imprisonment for drug trafficking.
According to United States AttorneyBrian D. Miller, on June 24, 2025, a jury convicted Rodriguz on nine counts of a superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl and 8.5 kilograms of marijuana between January 2021 and January 2022. During the conspiracy, Rodriguez operated Mulla Fashion, a clothing store, which included a recording studio, located on Scott Street in Wilkes-Barre. Rodriguez used the store as a front to sell fentanyl and marijuana to users and other street level drug dealers. In January 2021, Rodriguez travelled to Mexico to meet with MS-13 gang members, who supplied him with kilograms of fentanyl for distribution. Rodriguez also kept a stash house in Wilkes-Barre Township for storage of drugs. On January 20, 2022, a search warrant was executed at this stash house and law enforcement seized 159 grams of fentanyl, 400 grams of marijuana, two handguns and a shotgun. Law enforcement also seized 800 grams of marijuana, 37 grams of fentanyl, a ballistics vest, and a handgun from Mulla Fashion.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kingston Police Department and the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Kyle Moreno prosecuted the case.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/luzerne-county-clothing-store-owner-sentenced-over-20-years-imprisonment-drug
Indiana Laboratory Company Agrees to Pay More Than $9 Million to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Nov. 25 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana posted the following news release:
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Indiana Laboratory Company Agrees to Pay More Than $9 Million to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations
Patients Choice Laboratories ("PCL"), a diagnostic laboratory headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, has agreed to pay the United States $9,620,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute ("AKS"). The government alleges that PCL knowingly submitted claims to Medicare for respiratory pathogen
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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Nov. 25 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana posted the following news release:
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Indiana Laboratory Company Agrees to Pay More Than $9 Million to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations
Patients Choice Laboratories ("PCL"), a diagnostic laboratory headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, has agreed to pay the United States $9,620,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute ("AKS"). The government alleges that PCL knowingly submitted claims to Medicare for respiratory pathogenpanels ("RPPs") that were either medically unnecessary or obtained through kickbacks. PCL also paid commissions to independent sales representatives and marketing firms ("1099 representatives") based on the volume or value of referrals.
Specifically, the United States alleges that on November 20, 2020, PCL entered into a Marketing Services Agreement ("MSA") with a purported infection prevention company ("the Company"), agreeing to pay $5,000 per month in exchange for "marketing and management services" in long-term care facilities. In reality, according to the United States, the MSA served as a pretext for paying the company for laboratory test referrals, which PCL then billed to Medicare.
The United States further alleges that PCL paid the Company to perform services in long-term care facilities, including specimen collection for infectious disease testing. The Company swabbed residents for COVID-19, and PCL used the same specimens to conduct and bill Medicare for medically unnecessary RPPs. In some cases, PCL billed for RPPs without performing any COVID-19 tests at all.
Between December 1, 2020, and May 11, 2022, PCL paid the Company approximately $1.86 million in exchange for RPP referrals. During that time, PCL billed Medicare for thousands of RPPs conducted at 43 long-term care facilities nationwide, receiving over $6 million in reimbursement.
Additionally, from January 1 to March 31, 2021, PCL contracted with 1099 representatives to promote its laboratory tests to health care providers. The United States alleges that these individuals were not bona fide employees. PCL paid them a percentage of the revenue generated from testing they facilitated. The representatives helped arrange referrals and orders for tests billed to Medicare in violation of the AKS. PCL's commission payments to these representatives totaled at least $372,000.
"Kickback arrangements that drive unnecessary testing waste taxpayer dollars and undermine the integrity of our healthcare system," said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "This settlement reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to profit at the expense of federal healthcare programs and the patients they serve."
"Providing impermissible compensation to induce patient referrals that then lead to medically unnecessary diagnostic tests is simply unacceptable," said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. "We're committed to taking the necessary actions to protect patients and taxpayer-funded government health programs."
"Wasteful spending fueled by kickback arrangements undermines the public's confidence in our health care system and depletes valuable resources that should be used to improve patient care," said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the HHS-OIG Chicago Regional Office. "Working together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to identify and investigate alleged violations of federal law."
"Entities who submit false Medicare claims destroy public trust in federal health care programs and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from vulnerable citizens who truly need them," said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the HHS-OIG. "We are unwavering in our dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the Medicare trust fund and the services provided to enrollees."
"Companies that submit false claims undermine public trust and divert critical resources away from legitimate care," said Timothy J. O'Malley, special agent in charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement and government partners to hold accountable those who seek to profit through fraud or deception."
The matter was handled by Trial Attorneys Kelly McAuliffe and Asha Natarajan of the Civil Division's Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tarra DeShields, District of Maryland, and Adriana Figueroa, Southern District of Indiana, who jointly handled this case. The litigation team received investigative support from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The United States' settlement in this matter illustrates the government's emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/indiana-laboratory-company-agrees-pay-more-9-million-settle-alleged-false-claims-act
Erie Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Distributing Methamphetamine
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Nov. 25 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Nov. 24, 2025:
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Erie Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Distributing Methamphetamine
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Shawn Geer, 49, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea,
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Nov. 25 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Nov. 24, 2025:
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Erie Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Distributing Methamphetamine
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Shawn Geer, 49, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea,the Court was advised that, on or about July 2, 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Geer possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2026. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Geer.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/erie-resident-pleads-guilty-possessing-and-distributing-methamphetamine
Asian Elephant Is Pregnant at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The Smithsonian Institution National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute issued the following news release:
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Asian Elephant Is Pregnant at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
$23 Million Campaign Launches To Increase Asian Elephant Conservation Impact
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For the first time in nearly 25 years, animal care staff at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., are preparing for the highly anticipated birth of an Asian elephant calf. In April 2024, the Zoo's 44-year-old male elephant Spike
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 -- The Smithsonian Institution National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute issued the following news release:
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Asian Elephant Is Pregnant at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
$23 Million Campaign Launches To Increase Asian Elephant Conservation Impact
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For the first time in nearly 25 years, animal care staff at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., are preparing for the highly anticipated birth of an Asian elephant calf. In April 2024, the Zoo's 44-year-old male elephant Spikebred with 12-year-old female Nhi Linh [NEE-lin]. Asian elephant pregnancies last 18 to 22 months on average. Staff are closely monitoring Nhi Linh and are cautiously optimistic she will deliver a healthy calf between mid-January and early March next year. Every birth is a boon for this endangered species, as fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants are left in the world.
"This calf represents real hope for the future of Asian elephants," said Brandie Smith, John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. "The first step to saving any species is getting people to care. 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."
As Nhi Linh's due date approaches, the Zoo will provide updates through its website, e-newsletter, Facebook, X and Instagram channels. At the Elephant Trails exhibit, visitors can see the Zoo's herd up close and meet their care team during the 3 p.m. daily keeper talk. Worldwide, fans can follow the elephants' stories and stay connected via the Elephant Cam on the Zoo's website.
In 2022, Spike and Nhi Linh received a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP scientists track the lineage of individual animals in a record called a "studbook." When considering which animals to breed, a studbook keeper examines the individuals' genetic relatedness to one another, overall health and temperament, among other factors, and makes recommendations accordingly. This matchmaking process helps ensure the genetic diversity of a population in human care.
Spike arrived at NZCBI in spring 2018 from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, and is on loan from Zoo Miami in Florida. NZCBI welcomed Nhi Linh and her mother, Trong Nhi, in fall 2022 as a gift from the Rotterdam Zoo in South Holland, Netherlands. This calf will be the first offspring for Nhi Linh. Although Spike sired three calves at other zoos, none survived. Because Nhi Linh and Spike's genes are not well represented in zoos, their calf will help strengthen the genetic diversity of the Asian elephant population in North America and around the world.
Keepers describe Nhi Linh's personality as feisty and rambunctious. She is very inquisitive and brave when trying or exploring new things. Keepers say she is smitten with Spike, who exudes a laid-back, "gentlemanly" attitude. Asian elephants are known for being extremely smart, sensitive and social. The elephant care team is most excited to see how the calf will bond with its mother, staff and Spike, as well as their other herd mates--grandmother Trong Nhi (22), Bozie (51), Swarna (51) and Maharani (35).
Over the past three years, the elephant team has built positive relationships with Nhi Linh. Keepers train the elephants using positive reinforcement, a type of operant conditioning where they pair desired behaviors with rewards in the form of attention and food. Nhi Linh voluntarily participates in her own husbandry and medical training, including blood draws. A few months after Nhi Linh bred with Spike, staff used blood samples to confirm she had successfully conceived. These diagnostics are also used to track the elephants' hormones. Once her progesterone levels reach baseline, the team will know birth is imminent. Nhi Linh also voluntarily participates in ultrasounds, allowing staff to monitor fetal development, heartbeat and movement. To help her maintain optimal body condition, staff take Nhi Linh through strength and flexibility exercises daily. Some of the behaviors she has learned--such as extending her legs forward on cue--will be utilized if the calf needs better access to nurse.
Although staff provide the highest level of prenatal care, just as with any animal pregnancy there is a possibility that miscarriage, stillbirth or a complication could occur. Trong Nhi--Nhi Linh's mother--bred with Spike in April 2024, and staff confirmed she, too, had conceived. Unfortunately, on Oct. 30, Trong Nhi displayed intense discomfort in line with pre-term labor or gastrointestinal colic. While this behavior can sometimes occur in normal late-stage pregnancies as the fetus shifts, this episode prompted additional hormone testing and ultrasound evaluations of the fetus and her reproductive tract. Trong Nhi's blood sample showed a significant and sustained drop in her progesterone and prolactin hormones--an indicator her fetus may no longer be viable. Animal care staff continue to provide supportive care and comfort to Trong Nhi, who remains stable and is behaving and socializing normally with her herd, keepers and veterinarians. Nhi Linh's pregnancy is on track, and staff are cautiously optimistic she will welcome her first calf in the coming months.
"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 and acting curator of Elephant Trails. "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. As Nhi Linh's birth window approaches, her health and well-being are top of mind, and we are prepared to offer support every step of the way--through labor, delivery and beyond."
Conservation Priorities
For more than 50 years, Smithsonian scientists at NZCBI have led research on elephant care and conservation in Washington, D.C., and Southeast Asia. The Zoo's elephants are a critical part of this work. These animal ambassadors participate in studies that help scientists better understand Asian elephant behavior, reproduction, endocrinology, disease (including elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses, or EEHV), genetics and movement ecology. They share information with accredited institutions to advance elephant care in zoos. In elephant range countries, Smithsonian scientists conduct research alongside key conservation organizations, universities, government agencies and local community partners. Together, they develop strategies and solutions to help humans and elephants live safely side-by-side, from rewilding former work elephants to safeguarding lives and crops on lands that have been converted from forests to farms.
Fundraising Campaign
Ahead of the calf's birth, NZCBI is seeking $23 million in public and corporate donations to be used over the next five years. These funds will enable the Zoo to grow its Asian elephant conservation program, building on decades of research and leadership in movement ecology and rewilding, genetics and health, nutrition and wellness and facilities and technology. Federal funding covers essential animal care expenses such as food, medicine, animal care staff and facilities maintenance for all animals at NZCBI. Funds to cover the Smithsonian's ongoing conservation research that help Asian elephants--both here and in the wild--depend entirely on private support from donations, annual membership support and in-park revenue.
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About the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) leads the Smithsonian's global effort to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists. Its two campuses are home to some of the world's most critically endangered species. Always free of charge, the Zoo's 163-acre park in the heart of Washington, D.C., features 2,200 animals representing 400 species and is a popular destination for children and families. At the Conservation Biology Institute's 3,200-acre campus in Virginia, breeding and veterinary research on 264 animals representing 20 species provide critical data for the management of animals in human care and valuable insights for conservation of wild populations. NZCBI's more than 300 staff and scientists work in Washington, D.C., Virginia and with partners at field sites across the United States and in more than 30 countries to save wildlife, collaborate with communities and conserve native habitats. NZCBI is a long-standing accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/asian-elephant-pregnant-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology
