Special Events
July 14 – Brew at the Zoo
Join us for our annual beer-tasting fundraiser and help support the Zoo's conservation efforts. Tickets are sold out.
August 10 – Rock 'n' Roar
Come hear the B-52s in a rockin' summer concert at the Zoo! Enjoy party music in a truly unique setting. Tickets are on sale now.
Animal News
Cheetah Conservation Station: The boys are back in town!
Our three male cheetahs Zabini, Granger, and Draco returned to the Cheetah Conservation Station at the National Zoo on November 23. They join our female cheetah Tumai on exhibit. Come and welcome our cheetahs back! 
Check them out on the cheetah cam.
Expecting an Giant Anteater
Our giant anteater Maripi is expecting her third pup with our male Dante. The pregnancy is going well, and we expect a baby soon. 
Learn more
Lion Pride: Cub Update
Shera and Naba’s cubs are doing well and are continuing to explore their enclosures and each other. The two new moms and cubs have recently been in the den together and are getting along well. You can keep up with our growing cubs by reading our lion updates. Check it out
Black-footed Ferrets Born at Front Royal
This is a record-breaking year for the black-footed ferret breeding program! Forty-nine kits were born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The National Zoo has been a leader in black-footed ferret conservation and currently participates in a reintroduction to the wild program with the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn more.
Elephant Trails: Phase I Opens and Phase II Renovation Begins
Kandula, Shanthi, and Ambika have moved into the new section of the elephant barn and outdoor yards and are exploring their new environment. Renovations have begun on the three older outdoor yards and interior of the elephant house.The entire exhibit is scheduled for completion in 2013. You can see our elephants in their new home from the bridge, overlook, and Clint Fields Plaza on Asia Trail as well as the new Homer and Martha Gudelsky Elephant Outpost. Learn more!
Asian Elephant Conservation
Veterinarians and animal care staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo artificially inseminated Shanthi, our 34-year old Asian elephant on September 19, 20, 21 and 22 with sperm from elephants from the Fort Worth Zoo and Tulsa Zoo. Shanthi’s hormone levels will be monitored over the next ten weeks to determine the possibility of pregnancy, which will be verified with an ultra sound. A successful pregnancy would be an important milestone in the Zoo’s commitment to Asian elephant conservation. Learn more.
Seals and Sea Lion Exhibit
Currently our valley trail exhibit area is undergoing a huge over haul with a new seals and sea lion exhibit. The new exhibit is designed to provide the animals with the best living environment and our visitors with an unforgettable viewing experience. The new exhibit is scheduled for completion in 2012. Take a virtual tour of the new exhibit.
Member News
Lion Cubs on Exhibit
FONZ is delighted to invite members to an exclusive opportunity to see the Zoo's seven lion cubs on December 18 and 19. This event will be free but space will be limited Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on December 6 and spaces may fill up quickly. Look for an email with details in a couple of weeks. Winter weather, cub behavior, and other factors may delay this event. Details will be posted here.
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Club
FONZ members now have the exclusive opportunity to join the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Club at the National Zoo. Not only will you have an incredible avian adventure, you will also support bird conservation around the world.
Plus, Migratory Bird Club members get exclusive benefits, including local and regional bird walks and field trips with a Smithsonian scientist, invitations to bird-themed lectures, an information-packed newsletter, migratory bird computer wallpaper, and a “Bird Friendly” coffee baseball cap. 
Sign up today.
FONZ Photo Club
As of December 31, 2009, membership to the FONZ Photo club is offered to members free of charge. If you are interested in joining our photo club you can sign-up online today! Register today.
Field Trip to Delaware to Find Waterfowl
FONZ members are invited to join the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center on a field trip to explore one of the most important waterfowl wintering areas in the country. This day-long adventure takes place on Saturday, December 4. You will visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Rehoboth Beach, and Indian River Inlet in Delaware. At each of these locations, you will have the chance to view and photograph waterfowl with guidance from a Smithsonian ornithologist. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity! Learn more and purchase tickets.
Give Additional Support
Get Our Animals a Gift from Our Wish List
If you've already checked everyone off your list, consider the Zoo's list. The animal enrichment section in our new online store lets you browse and buy more than 50 items requested by keepers. From cypress mulch for reptiles to a huge elephant feeder ball to cat scratching pads, you can pick out the perfect gift for a Zoo animal. Can't decide? Make a donation and let the keepers choose. Find out more.
Donor-level FONZ Memberships
Upgrade your membership, and become part of a prestigious
group that offers significant support to the Zoo. Donor
memberships include all of the FONZ Household membership
benefits as well as donor recognition, special guided
tours, VIP events, and much more. Upgrade
your FONZ membership now.
FONZ Capital One Card
Carry the card that keeps on giving—the Friends of the National Zoo Capital Once Visa credit card. Certain percentages of each purchase are donated back to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to help support conservation efforts.
Learn more.
Elephant Trails Bricks
Donate to elephant conservation! Donations of $250 or more include the installation of an engraved brick in the new Elephant Trails exhibit. Learn more.
Friends of the National Zoo Membership Office
202.633.2922
Email
Friends of the National Zoo
Membership Office
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 5516
Washington, DC 20013
