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Join FONZ

Your FONZ membership is vital to ensuring the Zoo can continue its commitment to be the best in animal care, conservation, education and sustainability.

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

For more information about FONZ memberships, please call 202-633-2922 or contact us.

Standard$64

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Carousel, Train, and other seasonal attractions
Punch card for eight rides*

15% Discount
On food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events

Cardholder
One named adult cardholder

  • One named adult cardholder
  • 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
  • Punch card valid for eight carousel, train or other seasonal attraction rides*
  • Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
  • Discounts on stroller rentals
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
JoinRenew

Premier$84

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Carousel, Train, and other seasonal attractions
Punch card for eight rides*

Cardholders
Up to two named adult cardholders

  • Up to two named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
  • Punch card valid for eight carousel, train or other seasonal attraction rides*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
  • Discounts on stroller rentals
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
JoinRenewGift

Premier Plus$114

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Carousel, Train, and other seasonal attractions
Unlimited rides*

Cardholders
Up to three named adult cardholders

  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
  • Discounts on stroller rentals
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
JoinRenewGift

Patron Circle$250

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

One Guided Specialty Tour of your choice

Patrons are invited to choose one Guided Specialty Tour: Endangered Species, Hidden Gems, Kiss and Tail, or Upper Zoo. Each tour provides fascinating glimpses into the cutting-edge science and conservation work that your support makes possible.

For more information on how to schedule your Guided Specialty Tour, please contact us.

Endangered Species Tour
Looking to learn more about the conservation efforts to save endangered species? This tour explores many of the species at the Smithsonian's National Zoo that are facing, or have faced, the danger of extinction. This tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the amazing ways these animals have adapted to their habitats, how they are being threatened in the wild, and what you can do to help.

Hidden Gems Tour
Do you think you know everything about the giant pandas, elephants, great cats, and the Zoo's other most famous animals? This tour takes you "off-the-beaten path" and introduces you to some of the Zoo's most interesting yet lesser-known animals, such as Andean bears, caracals, and elephant shrews. Who knows? You just may find your new favorite animal!

Kiss and Tail Tour
Looking for something a little more wild? Join this adults-only tour and learn about the fascinating world of animal dating and mating. This tour visits cheetahs, zebras, Przewalski's horses, giant pandas, Big Cats, Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, and Reptile Discovery Center.

Upper Zoo Tour
Want to spend more time learning about animals and less time walking? Join our Upper Zoo Tour. This two-hour tour allows you to really get to know the animals in the three exhibits at the upper part of the Zoo, including cheetahs, zebras, gazelles, Asian small-clawed otters, clouded leopards, sloth bears, and more.

Each tour group can have one to ten members. That size fosters the best possible learning environment for you and your guests.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Cardholders
Up to three adult named cardholders

  • One Guided Specialty Tour of your choice
  • Opportunities to attend talks with animal experts
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
  • Discounts on stroller rentals
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
JoinRenewGift

Sponsor Circle$500

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Two Guided Specialty Tours of your choice

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Cardholders
Up to three named adult cardholders

  • Two Guided Specialty Tours of your choice
  • Invitations to VIP exhibit openings
  • Members' Breakfast with the Curators
  • Opportunities to attend talks with animal experts
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
  • Discounts on stroller rentals
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
JoinRenew

Benefactor Circle$1,000

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

One exclusive Meet-a-Keeper Tour

This tour offers you the opportunity to find out more about an exhibit directly from an animal care expert.

For more information on how to schedule your Guided Specialty Tours and/or Meet-A-Keeper Tour, please contact us.

Free Parking
During regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*

Invitation to an Annual Breakfast
Our Members' Breakfast with the Curators

  • One exclusive Meet-a-Keeper Tour
  • Two Guided Specialty Tours of your choice
  • Invitations to VIP exhibit openings
  • Members' Breakfast with the Curators
  • One single-use, reserved parking pass (with advance registration)
  • Opportunities to attend talks with animal experts
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 15% discount on food and in Zoo stores, and discounts on events*
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Members-only invitations to animal previews and exhibit openings
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Weekly Zoo Friends e-newsletter
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to host birthday parties at the Zoo
  • Discounts on stroller rentals
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
JoinRenew

Director Council$2,500

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Exclusive Director Tour

Lions, tigers and bears…and lemurs, snakes and tenrecs, oh my! The Director Tour brings you and your private group of up to four people behind the scenes at one of the animal exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The Panda House is not available for the Director Tour. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information on Council Membership levels, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Invitations to Council-Level Events
Including private receptions, annual programs and exclusive events sponsored by Smithsonian Institution including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend.

Insider Group Van Tour of SCBI
In Front Royal, Virginia

  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 20% discount in Zoo stores and a 15% discount on food
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
  • Invitation to an Annual Donor Dinner
  • Name recognition in Smithsonian Institution annual report and Zoo Visitor Center lobby
  • Quarterly Donor Impact email update
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew

Explorer Council$5,000

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Exclusive Explorer Tour

Ever wonder how the Zoo's animal families start their day?  Want to see for yourself?  The Explorer Tour brings you and your private group of up to six people behind the scenes at one of the animal exhibits at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The Panda House is not available for the Explorer Tour. 

Or, would you prefer a tour at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute instead? Choose a Highlights Tour of SCBI. The Highlights Tour is a 2-hour driving tour of the 3,200-acre facility that showcases the endangered species research and breeding center in Front Royal, Virginia. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Invitation to Special Members' Roundtable
A discussion with senior staff

Invitations to Council-Level Events
Including private receptions, annual programs and exclusive events sponsored by Smithsonian Institution including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend.

  • Insider Group Van Tour at SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia
  • Two single-use, reserved parking passes (with advance registration)
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 20% discount in Zoo stores and a 15% discount on food
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
  • Invitation to an Annual Donor Dinner
  • Name recognition in Smithsonian Institution annual report and Zoo Visitor Center lobby
  • Quarterly Donor Impact email update
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew

Ambassador Council$10,000

Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19.

Exclusive Ambassador Tour

Want to get up close to big cats, giant pandas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, or reptiles? The Ambassador Tour brings you and your private group of up to six people behind the scenes at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Members may choose one tour destination from any of the animal exhibits, including the Giant Panda House. OR, choose the In-depth Tour of the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The In-depth Tour of the 3,200-acre SCBI campus showcases the endangered species research and breeding center in Front Royal, Virginia. On this tour you'll have the opportunity to meet expert staff. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Private, In-Depth Tour of SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia

In-depth Tour of the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The In-depth Tour of the 3,200-acre SCBI campus showcases the endangered species research and breeding center in Front Royal, Virginia. On this tour you'll have the opportunity to meet expert staff. Tours are arranged based upon availability.

For more information, please call 202-633-3290 or contact us.

Adopt-an-Animal-Trail
Special name-recognition opportunity at select Zoo sites for one year

  • Insider Group Van Tour at SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia
  • Two single-use, reserved parking passes (with advance registration)
  • Up to three named adult cardholders
  • Free parking during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo*
  • 20% discount in Zoo stores and a 15% discount on food
  • Unlimited carousel, train and other seasonal attraction rides with your member card during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo for up to 4 riders per visit*
  • Priority registration for camps, classes and Snore and Roar overnights
  • Discounts on popular Zoo event tickets, camps, classes and overnights
  • A subscription to the members-only magazine, Wild.Life.
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
  • Invitation to an Annual Donor Dinner
  • Name recognition in Smithsonian Institution annual report and Zoo Visitor Center lobby
  • Quarterly Donor Impact email update
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew

Over 62? FONZ offers senior discounts at the Standard, Premier and Premier Plus levels.

*Membership benefits, including parking and rides, will be limited or canceled as a precaution due to COVID-19. Free parking, carousel, train and other seasonal attractions are only available during regular, daytime visits to the Zoo and not during special events. New benefits only apply to members who joined or renewed on or after January 1, 2018. Unlimited free rides are available for up to 4 riders per visit. All benefits are subject to change and based on availability.

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