Friends of the National Zoo

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Friends of the National Zoo

• Abbi Fickes
• Education Intern
• Summer 2005

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The Smithsonian National Zoological Park

• Founded in 1889 by an Act of Congress
• 163 acre zoo set in Rock Creek Park in
  Washington, D.C.
• Owns more than 2,700 animals of around 435
  different species

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The Smithsonian National Zoological Park

• One of only four zoos in the United States that
  house giant pandas
• Successful giant panda insemination on March 11,
  2005 and birth July 9, 2005
• More than 3 million visitors admitted
  free-of-charge yearly

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Friends of the National Zoo

• Nonprofit organization founded in 1958
• Coordinates over 1,000 zoo volunteers
• Develops educational and recreational programs
  for the community

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FONZ

• Dedicated to expanding support for the zoo
  through memberships which now exceed 33,000
• Raises funds for conservation efforts, research,
  facility improvement, etc.

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The Conservation and Research Center

• 3,200 acre establishment in Front Royal,
  Virginia.
• Houses between 30 and 40 different endangered
  species or surrogate species
• Research focused on reproductive sciences and
  conservation biology
• Breeding center for repopulation efforts of
  endangered species

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CRC

• Location of the FONZ overnight Nature Camp
• Conservation-based educational programs

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Daily Activities

• Gather supplies and materials for the classes
• Welcome campers and parents, take attendance,
  answer questions or concerns
• Assist teacher as needed
• Make sure each class has sufficient water and
  snacks
• Distribute artifacts to each classroom
• Let teacher know of field trip times, any
  allergies in the class, custody issues, or other
  special circumstances

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Daily Activities

• Escort campers through the zoo
• Supervise field trips
• Assist with dismissals
• Deal with class aide or camper illnesses or
  injuries, as needed
• Attend student presentations or projects

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The National Aquarium
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Special Projects

• Paper maché gazelle for tiger enrichment
• Photo Shows
• The Great Kapok Tree play production
• Zoo Crew Newsletter

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Educational Programs

• Keeper talks
• Classes
• Snore and Roar
• How do you Zoo?
• Birthday Parties
• FONZ Events

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The Veterinary Hospital

• Stocked to treat animals of all sizes
• Based on preventative medicine
• Large animals treated on-site with portable
  instruments and machinery
• Some animals trained to cooperate during exams

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Examinations
Photos by Nicole Popovich, FONZ
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Behind-the-Scenes Tour Cheetahs!
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Behind-the-Scenes Tour Lions and Tigers!
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The Giant Panda Breeding Program

• Biomedical Survey of Giant Pandas in Captivity
  in China
• Hormone Analysis
• Semen collection and preservation
• Canine distemper vaccinations
• Future human impact- related stress analysis
  through fecal sampling

www.fonz.org
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Panda Baby Tai Shan
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A Learning Experience

• D.C. Living
• Zoo Politics
• Embracing Change
• Career Options
• Developing skills
• Leadership
• Communication
• Initiative
• Professionalism

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Future Plans

• Plan to continue working with the National Zoo
• Applying for research positions at CRC
• Offered Assistant Director position for the FONZ
  Nature Camp
• Grad School Study Reproductive
  Sciences/Physiology
• The next Dr. JoGayle Howard?

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Questions?
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Thank you for your time!