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Giving Societies

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is one of the world’s leading conservation and science organizations—collectively serving and engaging more than 2 million visitors, supporting the work of 200-plus scientists and training hundreds of conservation professionals from around the globe.

By joining as a Council member, you support unrestricted funds that give critical flexibility to address pressing needs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. These funds assist various programs, such as enhancements and renovations at the National Zoo, conservation science at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and urgent needs for the animals.

In the last year, these funds have provided support to programs that educated and inspired 2.6 million visitors, excavated and installed a bear den and pool in the lower Zoo, supported the elephant herpesvirus program and helped provide special chipped hay for the Zoo's aging Asian elephant, Ambika.

Your support is crucial to our success. Join us as a Council member today!

lion illustration

Director Council$2,500

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, select events, and VIP exhibit openings

Insider Group Van Tour of SCBI
In Front Royal, Virginia

  • Up to three named 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 ZooTubes 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 quarterly magazine, Smithsonian Zoogoer
  • Free or discounted admission to more than 100 other zoos and aquariums nationwide
  • Access to the FONZ Photo Club
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew
bison illustration

Explorer Council$5,000

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 or a curator

Invitations to Council-Level Events
Including private receptions, annual programs, select events, and VIP exhibit openings

  • Two single-use, reserved parking passes (with advance registration)
  • Up to three named 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 ZooTubes 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 quarterly magazine, Smithsonian Zoogoer
  • 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
komodo dragon illustration

Ambassador Council$10,000

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

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

  • Two single-use, reserved parking passes (with advance registration)
  • Up to three named 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 ZooTubes 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 quarterly magazine, Smithsonian Zoogoer
  • 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
  • E-newsletters to keep you in the know
JoinRenew