Council Membership Program: Supporting the National Zoo

A close-up photo of an Andean bear that has dark fur and a lighter, tan patch of fur around its face and snout

You Can Build a Better Future for Wildlife.  Become a Council Member.

You can increase your impact on the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s mission by becoming a Council member. Membership at the Council level enables our science research to reach further and helps our Zoo’s exhibits to shine even brighter.

How does your Council membership contribution help?

Council membership contributions provide flexible unrestricted funds, so we can address pressing needs at the Zoo and SCBI. These funds assist programs, such as enhancements and renovations at the Zoo, science and special projects at SCBI, and urgent needs for animals in the collection.

This past year alone, unrestricted funds were used for programs that educated and inspired 2.6 million visitors, excavated and installed a new den and pool for the Andean bear, supported the National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory program and helped provide special chipped hay for our aging Asian elephant, Ambika.

Your support makes a difference.

Saving species here and around the world is hard work. As a Council member, you’ll know that you’re a part of the world-class team at the Zoo and SCBI. We cannot do it without your support.

Council members receive exclusive benefits, such as behind-the-scenes tours and invitations to events to learn more about the critical work of saving species. Visit our Giving Societies page for more information.

  • Director Council: $2,500
  • Explorer Council: $5,000
  • Ambassador Council: $10,000

Questions? Contact Katharine Kane, Director of Annual Giving, at kanek@si.edu or (202) 633-3290.