Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

The Conservation and Research Center is a research extension of Washington's National Zoological Park, itself a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Front Royal, Virginia, USA, it's more than 3000 acres contain a variety of research facilities and animal enclosures. It's primary mission is the advancement of biodiversity conservation. It's secondary mission is the growing of hay for the National Zoo.

Originally a remount station for the US Cavalry and then a research center for the US Department of Agriculture, the Center was taken over by the Smithsonian when the National Zoo was looking for a site to house animals outside of Washington. Currently the Center contains research laboratories in the areas of veterinary medicine, endocrinology, geographic information systems, and ecology. The purpose-built veterinary hospital includes world-class facilities for the management and treatment of large-bodied and exotic animals. The center continues to house array of animals from around the world for study, treatment and breeding.

Remnants of past occupants include the cavalry race track and horse cemetary, in which are buried the favourite and famous mounts of military officers, and the stone wall enclosing the track, constructed by the labour of Italian prisoners of war. A portion of the center grounds were more recently bequeathed by one Mr. Leach, owner of an adjacent farm and farm buildings, which now provide further ground for ecological studies and the housing of interns.

The CRC annually hosts the popular Autumn Conservation Festival, in which research groups from across the Smithsonian system present interactive exhibitions of their work for visitors.

The Appalachian Trail runs along the western border of the Center.