VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers are a very important part of any zoo, and this fact is also true of the Abilene Zoo. There are several volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of interests.
NEXT VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION IS MARCH 6 at 10 AM!
ADULT VOLUNTEERS
We have several opportunities available for those 18 and older who are looking for a different type of volunteer activity.
ANIMAL CARE: If you are interested in working with the zoo keepers in a more direct way this is the place for you. Animal care volunteers will assist keepers with the daily husbandry responsibilities including feeding, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance. In order to be a volunteer in the animal care department we ask for a time commitment of at least 4 hours a week. A current TB test is required to volunteer.
HORTICULTURE: Do you love working in gardens? The Abilene Zoo need you! Volunteers in this area will assist the keepers with the responsibility of caring for the various gardens in and around the zoo. In order to be a volunteer in the horticulture department we ask for a time commitment of 3 hours a week.
If you are interested in being a volunteer at the zoo please contact Joy Harsh at joy.harsh@abilenetx.com or download a volunteer application and return it to us.
EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
Docents!
What is a Docent? Docents are trained volunteers that help in the Education Department. They learn how to present animal and biofact programs, teach classes, give tours and generally help visitors in the zoo!
The next trainig class will be in the fall!
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Zoo Teens 2010
Job Description
Purpose: To expose students to wildlife and conservation career options
Age: Students entering 8th – 12th grades
Fee: $35.00 per teen (for t-shirt, training, and recognition event)
Zoo Teen Responsibilities:
- Junior Zoo Counselor
- Assist with Summer Camp
- Present biofact programs
- Present animal encounter programs
- Assist with the care of education animals
- Junior Zoo Keeper
- Assist zoo staff with cleaning of exhibits, feeding animals, watering and
weeding of botanical areas, and other duties as needed.
Requirements:
- Completed application, turned in no later than Tuesday, April 19.
- 2 recommendation forms from an unrelated adult
- Personal interview with Education Curator and keepers
Zoo teens that are selected for the program are required to attend training Friday, June 4 (for keepers) or Tuesday, June 8 (for counselors) from 9-2. There will be a parent meeting Tuesday, May 25, from 6-7. Selected Zoo Teens must submit proof of a current (within the past 6 months) TB test.
Time Commitment:
If selected, Zoo Teen Keepers must be available to work at least 7 weeks for at least two 4-hour shifts a week. Zoo Teen Counselors must be available to work at least 7 weeks for at least two 6 hour shifts a week.
Important Dates:
April 19 – Application deadline
May 7 – Last day for interviews
May 13 – Zoo Teens notified
May 25 – Parent orientation
June 4 or 8 - Training
Download Application - New Applicants
Download Application - Previous Zoo Teens