An extension of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the SCBI has played a leading role in the fields of veterinary medicine, reproductive physiology and conservation biology since its founding in 1974.

The Conservation and Research Center was founded in 1974 when the director of the National Zoo, Theodore Reed, recognized the need for a captive breeding facility and initiated negotiations to obtain the land.

Amongst the SCBI's most well known research programs are those based on the captive breeding, and reintroduction, of such endangered species as the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), the Guam Rail (Hypotaenidia owstoni), Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii), and the Matschie's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus matechiei).

[6] Since the departure of Small, the SCBI has formed many long term partnerships (e.g. with Center for Tropical Forest Science, George Mason University (Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program),[7] and National Ecological Observatory Network) to help ensure its long-term viability.

The "Autumn Conservation Festival" is sponsored by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) and provides an opportunity for members of the public to tour the grounds and veterinary facilities, interact with the staff and learn more about the research conducted at the SCBI.