Friends of the National Zoo/FONZ

Friends of the National Zoo supports Zoo renewal, wildlife education and conservation programs by the Smithsonian's National Zoo that enrich the lives of animals and save endangered species and habitats.(202)633-3027.

How do you help people in my community?

The National Zoo is the nation’s zoo, and FONZ helps educate individuals from across the country about conservation issues, endangered species, and how local communities can make a difference. Additionally, FONZ funds the "How Do You Zoo?" program, which helps children explore careers as animal keepers, veterinarians, and commissary workers. We also offer classes and workshops throughout the year to educate children and adults on wildlife issues.

FONZ also provides teachers and students all over the country with free educational resources, including distance learning videos broadcast via satellite, teacher curriculums, educational resources, and our educational website www.fonz.org. In 2006, more than 27.5 million people visited the National Zoo website.

Middle school teachers and students in your community can access Conservation Central, an interactive website that details the work of National Zoo scientists who protect endangered species. It also shows students how they can make a difference to wildlife. Go to http://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/conservationcentral/ for more information.

Why do you need my support?

To provide educational resources and to fund conservation projects, the National Zoo depends on the work of FONZ and private donations. With your help, FONZ and the Zoo can continue to raise funds and save endangered wildlife and their habitats. Your donations help us educate and inspire the public to care about wildlife conservation.

Right now, we are raising money to help save endangered giant pandas in China, elephants in Asia, and golden lion tamarins in Brazil. We also need your support to expand and update our 1930s-era elephant exhibit at the Zoo. A new home for our Asian elephants will give us the room to expand our herd and provide them with a setting that is closer to what they would experience in the wild.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Can I Volunteer? How?