GET INVOLVED

Volunteers can assist the Public Relations and Development Departments with daily office duties such as data entry, preparation of materials, and mailings. They can also work on the newsletter, perform surveys, and participate in any promotional activities that become available. Volunteers with special skills, experience, and knowledge may assist with public relations projects, grant proposals, research, the compilation of data, and design projects. Depending on the project involved, volunteers will have the option of working from home. All Public Relations or Development volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Volunteers in the Maintenance Department assist in the daily upkeep of Zoo grounds, buildings, and gardens. Volunteers with special trade skills or experience may assist with more complex projects such as those involving carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or painting. Some aspects of this department's daily duties can require physical exertion, and a willingness to work out of doors is a plus. Only volunteers over 18 with the proper skills and experience will be able to operate power tools. All Maintenance volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Guest Services volunteers have the opportunity to interact directly with our Zoo guests as greeters and face painters. They may also assist our Guest Services staff at any of our many special events. The ability to work independently is a plus and a pleasant guest-friendly attitude is a must! Greeters must be 14 years of age or older. General Guest Services volunteers must be 15 years of age.

Volunteers in the Animal Care Department may assist our keepers by preparing the daily animal diets. Training sessions are held regularly and can be scheduled to accommodate the trainee. Due to the skill and training necessary to be involved with our animal collection's care, only selected college interns will be allowed to work with the Keeper Staff performing animal husbandry. Animal Diet volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and must provide proof of a current tetanus inoculation (within 10 years) and a current TB test (within 1 year).

Many groups, schools, and scout troops like to do service projects or days of service at the Zoo. Unless the group has a particular project in mind, they will most often be assigned to assist the Maintenance Department in working on the Zoo's gardens and grounds. Groups can also assist with Zoo special events such as "Nightmare at Elmwood". Service groups can include a variety of age levels, provided adequate adult supervision is supplied. To plan your date of service, please call the Volunteer Coordinator who will help you choose a date and suitable project or event for you to work on.