The National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center and Friends of the National Zoo will hold their annual Autumn Conservation Festival Oct. 4-5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the only time of the year that the 3,200-acre research center for endangered wildlife and habitats, located in Front Royal, Va., is open to the public. The Conservation and Research Center runs one of the world’s most extensive programs on conservation biology research and focuses on topics such as ecology monitoring, animal reproduction, nutrition and genetic diversity. Facilities at the center include a global mapping laboratory, a veterinary clinic and several field stations and ecology-monitoring areas.

Visitors can talk one-on-one with world-famous scientists, explore the tools and technology used to understand animals and their habitats and get a sneak peak at a few of the center’s endangered animals. The festival also features kid-friendly activities including a play and scavenger hunt.

A $30 car pass, which covers up to six people, is required for admission and can be purchased at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/ACF or at the Front Royal/Warren County Visitor’s Center, located at 414 E. Main St. in Front Royal.

Visit the zoo’s Web site http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/ACF for more details or call (540) 635-6573. The National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center is located at 1500 Remount Road, just off of Route 522 in Front Royal, Va..

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SI-384-2008