Friends of the National Zoo celebrates 60th anniversary at NPC Newsmaker, May 1

Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), a non-profit membership organization dedicated to raising funds for the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month. The timing coincides with the birth of the zoo’s first baby gorilla in nine years, an endangered lowland gorilla named Moke.

On Tuesday, May 1, FONZ Executive Director Lynn Mento, and the National Zoo’s Associate Director of Animal Care Sciences Dr. Brandie Smith will join journalist and author Kara Arundel for a timely discussion that includes a look back at the history of the National Zoo, the legacy of FONZ’s support and the current role the National Zoo plays in working worldwide to advance species preservation efforts.

The news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the National Press Club’s Bloomberg Room, and is open to credentialed media and Club members free of charge. Registration is required.

UPCOMING NEWSMAKERS

April 26 – Newsmaker with Anthony Scaramucci

May 14 – Luncheon with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross

May 17 – Luncheon with SBA Administrator Linda McMahon

May 22 – Luncheon with Former Mexican President Vincente Fox