February 1, 2010 – Knoxville Zoo is looking for special people who would like to volunteer their time and talents to the zoo’s mission of education, conservation and recreation. Visit Knoxville Zoo’s vVolunteer Fair on Saturday, February 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Lee Congleton Conference Center and see if becoming a zoo volunteer is right for you.
At Knoxville Zoo’s Volunteer Fair, potential volunteers can learn more about the variety of ways they can get involved with Knoxville Zoo and meet current zoo volunteers who will share some of their “wild” experiences.
Knoxville Zoo’s volunteer program is an exciting way to give back to the community. Both adult and youth volunteers play a major role in the zoo’s education department, helping with summer camp and educational outreach programs as well as assisting with visitor education. Volunteers can also be involved in everything from animal interpretations, special events, and assisting keepers.
Zoo volunteers are required to work a minimum of 50 hours per year and attend seven monthly meetings annually. The sign-up cost for zoo members is $75 for training materials, name tag and shirts. For nonmembers, the cost is $125 and includes the zoo membership fee. Applications for the volunteer program will be available for those interested. There are a limited number of spaces available for the youth volunteer program.
Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org
I really hope the wonderful Knoxville Zoo gets enough volunteers. I love this Zoo! Its Black Bear Falls, Red Panda Village, and other great exhibits, including one of the best children’s zoos in the USA, all make this a great zoo.
Allen Nyhuis, Coauthor: America’s Best Zoos