How to Be a Friend of the National Zoo

The National Zoo in Washington, DC has a mission of providing the best quality care to its animals and to add to the body of research and scientific knowledge about wildlife conservation. When it comes to their public outreach efforts to teach people to protect wildlife, natural habitats and resources and habitats, they are aided by their partner organization, the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), dedicated to providing exciting, enriching experiences that can connect people with wildlife. If you would like to join this organization, you can not only do your part for wildlife conservation but also participate in a number of enjoyable activities.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Application form
• Check or credit card

1. Fill out an application form. You can apply online, or you can print out the form and mail or fax it in. You may also pick up an application at the information booth, parking lot booths, or any gift shop at the National Zoo or call the zoo to have one sent to you by mail.

2. Send in the payment for the level of membership you select. You can purchase an individual membership for one or two years, a household membership for two or more people living at the same address, a discounted senior membership for individuals aged 65 and older, and a discounted ZooGoer membership for anyone living more than 200 miles from the zoo's Washington, DC location. If you have deep pockets, you can even opt for a donor membership level with increased benefits including invitations to special donors-only tours and events.

3. Enjoy membership benefits including free parking. While admission to the zoo is free, as it is at all Smithsonian facilities, parking can be pretty expensive and FONZ members who make frequent trips to the zoo can recoup their membership costs in just a few visits.

4. Get tickets at special discounted rates for special zoo events. Popular ones include "Boo at the Zoo", the annual Halloween trick-or-treat event, and the new "Zoo Lights" display at Christmas time.

5. Look forward to receiving your bimonthly issue of "ZooGoer" magazine as well as the "Wildlife Adventures" newsletter. If you have signed up for the "Young Professional" individual membership option (same price as a regular individual membership), you will also receive the "YP Happenings" monthly e-newsletter.

6. Be sure to bring your FONZ membership card when you visit any other zoos or aquariums nation wide that belong to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). These facilities all participate in a reciprocal admissions program whereby members of one organization are granted free admission to the other organizations, and in some cases even additional benefits such as gift shop discounts.

Tips & Warnings

• Your FONZ membership is good for a 10% discount at all National Zoo gift shops (including the online one)
• Call ahead of time if you plan to visit any other zoo or aquarium and you want to make sure that your FONZ membership will provide free admission as policies may be subject to change

Resources

• Friends of the National Zoo