Today in Smithsonian History: April 10, 1958

April 10, 1958 On April 10, a group of concerned neighboring citizens gather at the Cleveland Park Library on Connecticut Avenue to organize what was to become Friends of the National Zoo. The Washington Star reported, “Dr. William M. Mann, devoted retired Zoo director, last night shelled out $50 to become a charter member. Dr. Mann, who has been suffering from arthritis, braved last night’s cold showers to give his blessings to the new group.”

William M. Mann, director of the National Zoological Park, and his wife, Lucile Quarry Mann in 1931. The Manns were on an expedition to British Guiana to collect animals, especially reptiles, for the National Zoological Park. (Courtesy Smithsonian Institution Archives)

FONZ has been providing support to the National Zoological Park ever since. In 1966 that relationship became formalized when Congress and the White House authorized the Smithsonian to contract with FONZ, a nonprofit corporation. Over the last five years, FONZ has raised an average of $3 million a year toward the programs at the Zoo.

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