Conservation Nation Elephant Logo

Our History

Conservation Nation launched in the fall of 2021 with a mission to preserve the planet by cultivating an inclusive and resilient wildlife conservation movement. Through the support of donors, scientists, educators, and members of the community, we break barriers to accelerate the growth of a strong community of wildlife champions solving urgent biodiversity challenges together. Our core programming funds and supports wildlife conservationists from traditionally marginalized groups to advance their work and ask them to act as role models with us; inspires and educates the next generation of wildlife champions with the support of these role model conservationists to break the ‘if you can’t see it you can’t be it’ barrier; and cultivates a global conservation community of people and organizations. 

Conservation Nation was originally conceived out of an initiative of Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ). FONZ was founded in 1958 by a small, enthusiastic group of Zoo neighbors who saw that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and the animals housed within it, needed their help. This small community group would go on to become the nonprofit partner for the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for sixty-three years. During this time, FONZ launched a membership program of over 20,000 members strong, funded and supported wildlife conservation work, welcomed zoo visitors, inspired and educated youth, hosted unique and engaging events, and coordinated an incredible corps of volunteers.

Explore highlights of FONZ’s storied history with the Zoo below.

black and white photo of a group of kids posing on grass at the national zoo

Founding of FONZ

FONZ is created by the local community to help Zoo leadership advocate for adequate funding. As a result of the efforts of FONZ’s founders, congressional funding for the Zoo was increased.

1958
1973
red-roofed buildings on a mountain with long grass in the foreground

Conservation Campus Secured

FONZ worked with the Zoo to secure 3,200 acres in Front Royal, Virginia, now home to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI). In 2001, FONZ helped to reverse the decision to sell the Front Royal campus.

giant panda ling ling eating bamboo

Giant Pandas

FONZ led the effort to secure the lead gift of $7.8 million from Fujifilm to keep Giant Pandas at the Zoo.

2000
2012
group of kids holding up a sign that reads we saved the farm, kids' farm sponsored by state farm

Kids' Farm Funded

FONZ secured two sponsorships totaling $1.6 million to prevent the closure of the Kids’ Farm exhibit.

sandpiper standing on a shoreline
a seagull flying toward the camera

Bird House Grant

FONZ provided a $1 million grant to the Zoo for the Bird House renovation and building a classroom on site.

2014
2016
elephant with the words do something you love and help save animals superimposed

Conservation Nation Launches

FONZ launched the Conservation Nation initiative to fund NZP and SCBI conservation projects in the wild, allowing a wider and more diverse audience to connect with critical Smithsonian scientific work.

a sculpture of a puffin created by trash found on beaches
a sculpture of an octopus created by trash found on beaches

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea

FONZ led the work to bring in the award-winning ‘Washed Ashore’ sculpture exhibit to the Zoo to improve the guest experience, highlight the conservation and sustainability mission, and encourage increased visitation.

2016
2017
a fonz volunteer wearing a red shirt interacting with a family with an elephant in the background

Volunteers Recognized Nationally

The FONZ Volunteer and Public Education Team was awarded the Smithsonian Education Innovation Award and the Volunteer Engagement Innovation Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

a fonz educator interacting with children in a veterinarian office simulation

DC Awards FONZ Education Program

FONZ was awarded the D.C. Public Schools Cornerstone project for the kindergarten English Language Arts unit on Conservation.

2019

In 2021, FONZ and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo parted ways under the financial pressure caused by the pandemic and FONZ once again found themselves as a small group of committed and passionate people with an opportunity to make a difference. With the benefit of a pro bono strategic ‘gap’ analysis by McKinsey & Company the team decided to focus its energy and resources on tackling an unfilled need to break down the historic and systemic barriers to becoming a conservationist that were impeding our ability to protect endangered wildlife, biodiversity, and the planet.

Since 2016, we have provided more than $1.3 million to fund over 175 projects around the world. We’ve funded scientists and conservationists from underrepresented groups on six continents, focusing on species ranging from tiny, two-inch Panamanian golden frogs in Central America, to 10,000-pound elephants in Asia. And we have educated and inspired tens of thousands of Washington, DC-area children.