For Release: October 12, 2004
Contact:
Matt Olear 
(202)
673-4925
Friends of the National Zoo
Fundraising Successes
FONZ Receives Grant from the David Bohnett Foundation for Orangutan Cognition Studies
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), the non-profit support organization of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the David Bohnett Foundation that will help fund the orangutan cognition studies occurring at the National Zoo’s Think Tank exhibit. The grant will facilitate the hiring of a pre- or post-doctoral research fellow who will continue this groundbreaking research and conduct a public education and outreach program, as well as help provide care for the animals. FONZ received the grant from the Los Angeles-based foundation at the end of September 2004.
The National Zoo’s Think Tank exhibit is unique as the only place in the world where visitors have free access to observe scientists studying animal cognition. Since its opening in 1995, Think Tank has been the site of innovative research into the cognitive capabilities of primates, including studies of orangutan memory, self-awareness, and empathy and of the abilities of orangutans to use symbols and syntax to express their thoughts. The award-winning exhibit is funded through a combination of public and private funds, with federal appropriations going toward animal care and exhibit maintenance, and funds from foundations, FONZ, and other donors supporting the exhibit’s research and public-education initiatives.
According to the David Bohnett Foundation, “David Bohnett and the
David Bohnett Foundation are committed to improving society through social
activism. We seek to accomplish our mission by providing funding, state-of-the-art
technology and technical support to innovative organizations and institutions
that, in addition to meeting our funding guidelines, share our vision.
For more information about the foundation, visit 
www.bohnettfoundation.org.”
FONZ Raises Funds to Support Cheetah Conservation Program
Friends of the National Zoo has also raised more than $10,000 through its Young Professionals program to benefit the National Zoo’s cheetah conservation program. Through the program, Zoo scientists are working at the Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Va., and with colleagues at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, to study cheetah reproductive physiology and behavior, nutrition, genetics, and disease. Zoo scientists have pioneered methods for artificially inseminating cheetahs and for preserving cheetah semen in an effort to preserve the genetic health and viability of these endangered cats.
The funds benefiting the Zoo’s cheetah research were raised through four special events hosted by the FONZ Young Professionals program, including a wine-and-cheese social at the Great Cats exhibit on April 29 and two happy-hour events called “Snake, Rattle, and Roll” and “Lollapa-MOO-za,” which took place at the Zoo on August 19 and September 9, respectively. The four events were attended by a total of about 1,200 young professionals from the D.C. area.
About FONZ
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated
to supporting the mission of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to
celebrate, study, and protect the diversity of animals and their habitats.
Since 1958, FONZ has supported the Zoo through education, membership,
and volunteer programs, special events, fundraising for Zoo projects,
and by providing guest services and grants for Zoo staff.
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