WASHINGTON – Today, Committee on House Administration Chairman Candice Miller, R-Mich., held a hearing discussing the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in order to receive an update on the current health and management of the National Zoo and the National Zoo’s important science and research activities regarding endangered species, as well as its overall contribution to the world’s conservation efforts. Miller said:

“The Smithsonian Institution, based in the nation’s capital, is the largest museum and research complex in the world. Today our Committee examined one of the most popular Smithsonian facilities, the National Zoo, which is home to one of our nation’s and the world’s most expansive and fascinating living collections. The National Zoo has a unique role as a federal zoo supported by the taxpayers. It is truly a zoo provided by and for the people.

“I appreciate the witnesses’ appearance today and their frankness regarding the National Zoo’s financial operations, animal care, and the conservation research they are accomplishing at their facilities and around the world. Both the directors of the National Zoo and its research arm, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, testified how federal resources are being used to run and manage the facilities, and how the use of technology and social media enables the National Zoo to spread education and share knowledge with future scientists.

“Collaboration is key to the National Zoo’s success. I was pleased to hear that the National Zoo Director is continually focused on finding the best formula to utilize federal funds responsibly, as well as working with private companies and leveraging all of these resources to not only enhance the zoo experience, but also to support its wildlife conservation research and life-saving efforts.”

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