The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to assist with education and administrational needs and help with plant and animal care.
The zoo is one of the city’s top attractions, so volunteers are always needed and welcomed. The education department needs volunteers to assist with the handling and presentation of animals at zoo events.
The department also needs volunteers who can serve as zoo ambassadors. As an ambassador, you would have the opportunity to teach guests about the zoo’s collection of animals while answering questions.
For those interested in science, the education department also needs volunteers to help with materials and research they undergo daily.
Stephanie Melo, sophomore biology pre-med major from Keller, said she thinks this volunteer opportunity could be beneficial to her future.
“As a person interested in the biology field, having the chance to get hands-on experience is invaluable and could open lots of doors for me,” she said.
Joy Harsh, education curator, said this isn’t the first time the zoo has offered these opportunities.
“We have offered these volunteer opportunities before, and are always looking to get people involved,” Harsh said.
Volunteers can expect to start after spring break in order to give enough time for training.
According to http://BigCountryHomepage.com, the zoo had meetings Feb. 12 and 14 for those interested in the educational aspect of volunteering.
However, it is noted on the Abilene Zoo’s website that anyone who will be working with the education animals or animals on exhibit will be required to take a tuberculosis test. There are also other guidelines given online that explain the rules for handling and other safety issues.
There is a $20 application fee for any position that fee covers a background check, training materials, T-shirts and name badges.
Mary-Catherine Swartz, sophomore kinesiology major from Trophy Club, said she likes the idea of volunteering.
“Sometimes there isn’t much to do in Abilene,” Swartz said. “So getting the chance to help out at the zoo gives us something to preoccupy our down time.”
For more information on how to volunteer at the Abilene Zoo, go to http://abilenezoo.org.
