In a peaceful setting among the rolling hills along U.S. 522 south of Front Royal, scientists from around the world are conducting groundbreaking research about animals and their habitats.

In September, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) celebrated 50 years of advancing science, creating global partnerships and coming up with solutions to conservation challenges.

Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, was on hand last week for a day-long symposium at the 3,200-acre Front Royal campus.

“This place is so incredible because it started 50 years ago as a place to breed and study endangered species. The goal was to make more animals, to learn more about them, ideally to reintroduce them to the

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