Donor Impact

We Save Species
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We Save Species

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is a conservation leader, and your commitment to our mission is truly inspiring.  Since our founding in 1889, we have identified the fatal elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in elephant calves, launched the Global Tiger Initiative and pioneered the Species Survival Plan.

Together, we continue the critical mission of saving species by training scientists from around the world, conducting research in more than 30 countries, exhibiting and breeding endangered species, educating future conservationists and inspiring more than 1.8 million visitors annually. Your support is valuable beyond measure. We could not have accomplished so much without it, so these successes are yours as well.

Council Membership

giant panda eating bamboo

Giving Society members enjoy great perks while helping to save species!

Fall 2019 Donor Newsletter

Animal care, exhibits, scientific research and education programs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are made possible by donors.

Donor Year End Impact Reports

American bison on the American Prairie Reserve in Montana.

Donor year end reports highlight the many ways in which donors like you help impact our mission to save species. Take a look through past reports.

A Discussion on Animal Cognition

In August, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's animal welfare and research manager Betsy Herrelko, Ph.D., moderated a panel at the 2019 Library of Congress National Book Festival.