Shop for the Holidays and Support the Smithsonian's National Zoo
This holiday season, shop at the Smithsonian's National Zoo for gifts your loved ones will give a hoot, whoop and roar about! Spot a great find for the animal person in your life during your next visit to the Zoo, or shop the online catalogue. By giving a Zoo gift, you become a conservationist—all proceeds support animal care, science and research at the National Zoo.
Adopt a Species
Earlier this year, visitors met Kavi, the National Zoo's newest—and presently its only—male Sumatran tiger. Kavi arrived in early June and settled nicely into his new home at the Great Cats exhibit, where keepers are introducing him to the Zoo's young female tiger, Damai. Hopefully, the two will breed and produce cubs this winter!
Celebrate his arrival this holiday season with an Adopt a Species package that supports these fascinating felines. With a donation of $65 or more, your special someone will receive a gift set that includes a cuddly plush tiger, a colorful photo, an adoption certificate and more delivered inside an animal carrier box.
There are plenty of other Adopt a Species packages, including a new $50 package that includes a certificate, replica paw print of your adopted species and letter of appreciation. Proceeds from Adopt a Species support animal care, habitat improvement and enrichment at the Zoo. Visit the Zoo's website to view all 16 Adopt a Species packages.
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For Children
Plush Wolf: $20
Two beautiful gray wolves named Crystal and Coby made their debut over the summer at the National Zoo's new American Trail exhibit. In celebration of their arrival, the Zoo invites kids of all ages to bring home an animal friend with this soft plush wolf pup. Its distinctive expressions and realistic features make this 16 cuddly arm-full a great friend for any canine fan.
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Animal Purse: $22
Animal prints will always be fashionable! Stay in style with colorful owl and butterfly purses. Made of designer fabric, each purse features working zippers, an inside pocket and a sturdy 10 strap.
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For Your Favorite Zoo Animal
Gift giving is for the birds…and the apes…and the bears! What better way to honor your friends and family than to give a gift in their name while enriching the life of a special animal at the Zoo? Enrichment items encourage animals to use problem-solving skills and help give visitors a glimpse into the natural behaviors of their favorite fauna.
Love to shop? Check out the Enrichment Giving Tree wish list and drop off your gifts at the Zoo's Visitor Center for the animal care staff to distribute. Prefer shopping from home? Choosing your favorite item is as easy as the click of a mouse in the Zoo's online store—we'll deliver your gifts straight to our animals. Can't decide? Make a donation to the Zoo's animal enrichment program.
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Munch Balls, $10
The munch ball's natural wicker construction makes this chewable toy suitable for any bird. The Zoo's parrots like this enrichment, especially when filled with delicious grapes and other treats.
Kabob Skewer, $15
Keepers spear delicious fresh fruit or vegetables on to the Kabob Skewer and hang them in various places in each exhibit, encouraging the Zoo's birds to forage as they would in the wild.
Tough Tire, $63
The tough tire is a great enrichment item for many species at the National Zoo. It floats and is strong enough to endure a playful sea lion's jaws. A version with holes can even make a handy puzzle feeder for elephants and bears.
Bungee Ball, $116
Our great apes and big cats have a ball with the Bungee Ball! Why add a bungee cord to a hanging toy? It offers the Zoo's animals a new challenge every time they interact with this enrichment and keeps their day-to-day life interesting and exciting.
Ball-inside-ball, $156
The ball-inside-ball is a favorite toy of the Zoo's bears, primates, and small mammals. Sloth bears are entertained by the challenge of getting the smaller ball out of the larger one, especially when there's food inside.
Leave a Legacy: Elephant Trails Commemorative Brick
The National Zoo is almost ready to reveal Phase II of Elephant Trails! In spring 2013, this exciting new exhibit will open to the Zoo's multi-generational herd of Asian elephants, giving them additional space for exercise, shelter and stimulation. Trumpet your support for the Zoo's elephants by purchasing a 4 X 8 Commemorative Brick. With a gift of $250, a brick will be engraved with your name and/or personalized message, installed in the surrounding walkway and displayed for decades to come. Life-size elephant footprints are available for larger donations. All proceeds support the Zoo's Asian elephant breeding and research program.
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Leave a Legacy: Zoo Carousel
This November, National Zoo visitors will delight in the Zoo's latest attraction: the Conservation Carousel! Opening just in time for ZooLights, the carousel features beloved species such as giant pandas, African lions, and cuttlefish. Adorned with colorful scenery, the top of the carousel highlights some of the world's most beautiful and majestic birds in flight. Your $500 donation will sponsor a beautiful hand-painted and hand-carved scenery panel, shield or mural. Donors or their honorees will receive recognition on a plaque beneath their figure for 10 years.
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