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unbalanced in the other direction towards basic science. Whatever the current tip in the scales, the Zoo should strive towards a balance appropriate to the exigencies of the setting of a zoological park. It is one of those perpetual questions ever with us, and these differing views are of real value, helping as they do in framing and illuminating the issues they raise.

The continuity in the research program that you argue for through additional research staff and more fellowship support is a goal we will pursue. It is an issue much on Dr. Robinson's mind pointing out, as he does, that his research and curatorial staff is too small to guide effectively the needed addition of more fellows. There is an obvious and important like between scientific staff and fellows -- to increase fellowships there must be enough staff to guide those selected, which together extend, deepen, and enliven the research endeavor. The converging advocacy of Council and Zoo in these regards registers; and too, we have your endorsement for a new veterinary hospital, along with renovated facilities devoted to research activities at the Zoo. But we are also caught up in the seemingly unresolvable Federal deficit and related bad news at the national level, which leaves us with hard choices to make among many compelling needs. A leveling or even diminishment of resources from the Congress is at hand, at least when we take into account our need to staff and operate new facilities that are still in the pipeline. Nonetheless, we shall continue to seek such funding for what needs doing. Although limited, there is still some flexibility available to us from the Institution's private funding sources. Indeed, the National Zoo's own wide public appeal as a basis for private support is evident from its very successful membership program, Friends of the National Zoo, or more commonly, the FONZ. This experience  is prompting the Zoo to develop plans to found a similar group drawing upon residents of Front Royal, Virginia, and thereabouts to support programs of its Conservation and Research Center, located near Front Royal.

The emphasis placed by the Council on the fundamental importance of the educational role of zoos as propagators of biology and conservation is welcome and will reinforce efforts on these fronts. Your visit further reminds us of the importance of the cohesion and imagination that distinguishes truly successful public programs. The Zoo's exhibitions, their extension through interpretative elements, couple with engagement of the research staff are beginning to converge in productive ways. You are right to urge them onwards to a fuller realization of interactive, connected purposes.

I also join the Council in noting other aspects of Zoo relationships, including the forging of new and extended relationships within the Smithsonian, with others around the country, and in the international dimensions of its interests. The Zoo's initial steps in training people of developing countries is an important component of its overseas research and conservation program. It needs to be sustained and extended as you propose to