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Join FONZ Today

Join Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) and help the National Zoo to continue its extraordinary work in the conservation and care of the world’s rarest animals and habitats. In return, every member is rewarded with great benefits.

  • Free parking. Stop by for an hour or stay all day—parking is free for FONZ members! Parking is first-come, first-served during regular Zoo hours, a $22 savings every time you visit!
  • Members-only publications. You’ll be the first to know about all of the exciting things happening with Smithsonian Zoogoer, our full-color bi-monthly membership magazine featuring engaging articles on science and animals at the Zoo, details on upcoming events, new arrivals such as our adorable lion cubs, and new attractions such as the newly opened Elephant Trails exhibit! In addition, the Zoo Friends e-newsletter will keep you abreast of developing Zoo news.
  • Calendar. Keep track of your family's comings and goings on your Smithsonian Zoogoer calendar, filled with stunning Zoo photos. Calendars are mailed in the fall.
  • In-park discounts. Enjoy a ten percent discount in National Zoo Stores.
  • Discounts at other zoos. FONZ members enjoy free or discounted admission to and discounts at more than 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide.

To receive membership benefits, membership cards must be presented with matching photo ID.

Membership Levels

  • Donor levels: Two named adults per household, plus children, including exclusive benefits while giving more to the Zoo’s critical conservation work.
  • Contributing: Two named adults per household, plus children, including priority registration for camps, classes, and activities.
  • Household: Two named adults per household, plus children
  • Individual: One named adult
  • Young Professional: One named adult age 21 to 35
  • Senior: One named adult age 65 or older
  • Zoogoer: One named adult living more than 200 miles outside of Washington, D.C.

Donor Membership Levels

Join at the donor level and become part of a prestigious group that offers significant support to the Zoo. Donor memberships start at just $250 a year and include all of the FONZ Household membership benefits as well as priority registration for special programs, donor recognition, special guided tours, VIP events, and much more.

   

Membership Benefits

Household $70

Involve your whole household in wildlife conservation! A Household FONZ membership covers two named adults per household, plus all children. It includes all the benefits listed above, plus:

 

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Contributing $100

Contributing members receive all of the Household level benefits plus: priority registration for our most popular programs including summer camps, Snore & Roar overnights, and birthday parties at the Zoo. A Contributing FONZ membership covers two individuals per household, plus children. It includes all the benefits listed above, plus:

 

Join or renew for one year

 Give a gift membership  
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Individual $55

Make a difference to the conservation of wildlife and wild places. An Individual FONZ membership covers one named adult. It includes all the benefits listed above, plus:

 

Join or renew for one year

 Give a gift membership  
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Young Professional $50

Meet and mingle with like-minded conservationists. A Young Professional FONZ membership covers one named adult age 21 to 35. It includes all the benefits listed above, plus:

  Join or renew for one year Give a gift membership  
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Senior $45

Help conserve wildlife for the future. For people age 65 or older. A Senior FONZ membership covers one named adult age 65 or older. It includes all the benefits listed above, plus:

  • Invitations to previews of new exhibits
  • Discounts on tickets to popular Zoo events
  • Annual member event
  Join or renew for one year Give a gift membership  
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Zoogoer $40

Keep the National Zoo close to your heart, wherever you are. A Zoogoer FONZ membership covers one named adult living more than 200 miles outside of Washington D.C. who is not able to visit the Zoo frequently, but would like to support the Zoo and stay up-to-date through Zoo publications.

  Join or renew for one year

Give a gift membership

  
Automatic membership renewal now available!   Learn more about auto-renewal

 

Membership Clubs

FONZ members can join these clubs:

  • SCBI Club (Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute) $30
    Help support the critical efforts of the Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center scientists who specialize in saving wildlife, conserving habitats, and restoring species to the wild. Add a Conservation Research Club donation to any membership for $30 and receive an information-packed e-newsletter and a parking pass to the Autumn Conservation Festival at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. CRC membership is only available to FONZ members.
  • SMBC Club (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center) $30
    Migratory Bird Club members help the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center 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 ornithologist, invitations to bird-themed lectures, an information-packed e-newsletter, migratory bird computer wallpaper, and a Bird Friendly Coffee baseball cap. MBC membership is only available to FONZ members.
  • FONZ Photo Club
    FONZ members have the opportunity to join the FONZ Photo Club free of charge. The FONZ Photo Club brings photographers of all skill levels together in a welcoming environment to share and learn about zoo photography. The club also raises money to support the Zoo by selling members’ photographic work at special events. You must be a FONZ member to join the FONZ Photo Club.

To receive membership benefits, membership cards must be presented with matching photo ID.

Any questions?

Check out answers to some frequently asked questions about membership.

 

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