Wellington Zoo Volunteer Scheme
Being a volunteer at Wellington Zoo gives you the opportunity to share an interest in wildlife and conservation with visitors to the Zoo. It is a valuable chance to meet and work with a wide range of people, at the same time gaining an insight into the conservation and education focus of the animals.
Although this is volunteer work, we take it very seriously and you will be asked to sign an agreement with the Zoo.
You must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit; we have volunteers from 18 to 65 currently helping at the Zoo.
Volunteer work involves PEOPLE NOT ANIMALS. The conservation policy of the Zoo means that we reduce person to animal contact to a minimum. Our trained volunteers will provide the personnel to take visitor tours around the Zoo, help out with administrative and maintenance tasks, help with the fun events and activities that go on within the Zoo grounds, create behavioural enrichment items and some outreach activities outside the Zoo.
As a volunteer at Wellington Zoo you provide a vital support system for all Zoo staff. Volunteering is extremely worthwhile and we are sure that you will enjoy being a Wellington Zoo volunteer.
What Do Wellington Zoo Volunteers Do?
All volunteers will be participating in all of the following activities. If you would prefer to act as a Zoo guide please state your preference for this.
- Life Science Support Crew
A daily roster supporting the Life Science team at the Zoo.
- Cleaning windows
- Harvesting insects
- Painting
- Assisting with cheetah walks
- Assisitng with giraffe training
- Zoo Guide
Walking through Zoo acting as a mobile information service. Assisting and supporting current Zoo guides.
- Animal Watch
Observe the behaviour of particular animals or groups of animals when considered necessary by the keeping section, for example if an animal may be sick or after the introduction of anything new into the enclosure.
- Behavioural Enrichment
Put together items for the behavioural enrichment of the animals, for example stuffing nuts and porridge into hollow bamboo and pinecones and making ice-blocks with fruit inside. This group also researches new ideas and helps to implement them.
- Horticulture Crew
Duties may include, water existing plants, weed, prune and sod, plant and landscape exhibits. Volunteers may be utilised differently according to past experience and skill level.
- Zoo-ed Crew
Assistance with or provision of various childrens activities such as Kidz Club and our holiday programme. Volunteers in this area will be required to undergo a security check.
- Events and Marketing Crew
Volunteers may be requested to assist with other activities, for example fundraising activities, surveys, handing out maps and give-aways at peak times at front counter. They will also assist with sausage sizzles and dressing up in animal costumes for special events.
General Person Specification
Volunteers at Wellington Zoo should have effective oral and listening skills (including an excellent command of the English language), strong customer focus and good team work abilities. You will either have or gain an understanding of the basic principles of conservation, the ability to communicate knowledge in an engaging manner and an understanding of the role of the modern zoo. We need people who are cheerful, courteous, can use their initiative and you must be reliable.
Commitment
New volunteers must commit to a two day orientation weekend, designed to familiarise prospective volunteers with all aspects of the Zoo. The next orientation weekend is 3 and 4 May 2008. Further training may then be given. Volunteers will also be expected to undergo ongoing training as necessary.
Volunteers may be required to undergo a police check if working with children.
A Wellington Zoo volunteer must work on at least 2 days a month (any extra time you can give will be appreciated).
You will be required to work a minimum of 5 hours twice a month. Usual shift 10am - 3pm. Regularity is the only way to become confident and capable.
To enquire about becoming a volunteer at Wellington Zoo, email Gemma Stewart - Volunteer Coordinator, zoovolunteer@wellingtonzoo.com
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