Buncha animals. No, no, not you... we’re talking about our latest collab with the awesome folks over at The Smithsonian Institute. Last time we joined forces, we took you to the outer reaches of the known universe. For this adventure, we’re taking you somewhere closer to home, but equally far-out: the animal kingdom.
Don’t worry, we’re not dropping you in the middle of the jungle. It’s a guided tour through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, which means way more expert info and way less of a chance of winding up on the 6 o’clock news.
For this unique collection, also available in women's sizes (and a preschooler panda shirt that's too damn cute), we met with three separate zoo curators to make sure we brought you designs and copy that were 100% on point. And, as with our last Smithsonian collection, each shirt has a built-in QR code that links to detailed info about the design, so you can blow your friends’ minds with officially sourced fun facts… or pass them off as your own if you wanna sound really smart.
Alright, throw on those headphones and make sure to stay with the group…
Our tour begins with a very special shirt that might look familiar to those of you with cat-like vision. While looking through some of RSVLTS’ existing wildlife-themed gear, the people at Smithsonian were intrigued by a past design of ours and thought it would be awesome to create a new iteration of that classic using pinpoint accurate depictions of the actual cheetahs from their zoo: Sarah and Carmelita. We pounced at the amazing opportunity and “Speed of the Savanna” was off and running. Catch it if you can (try not to pull a hammy).
Next up is a high-flyin’ design featuring some of the coolest shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl in North America - all of which can be found at the Smithsonian’s brand-new Bird House Exhibit. “The Bird House” button-down features super-realistic images of these amazing aviary creatures as well as their oft-epic species names, like “indigo bunting” and “Guam kingfisher.” Sort of makes “Homo sapien” sound weak by comparison, amirite?!
Ok, ok, calm down, we know what you’ve been waiting for this whole time and we’re finally here. Last, but certainly not least, are the shining stars of any zoo lucky enough to house ‘em: the giant pandas. It’s actually ironic how popular these charismatic creatures are considering their solitary nature. They’re like the reluctant movie stars who care about the craft but could do without the fame. Bask in their black and white cuteness as you roll around with Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, Xiao Qi Ji, and the rest of your favorite bamboo chomping mammals on "Panda Watch."
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute x RSVLTS Collection. Have fun rocking your wild new wardrobe. Be sure to wear this gear the next time you head on over to the National Zoo... you might just get more attention than the pandas. 
