ROYAL OAK, Mich., August 15, 2007 – The Detroit Zoological Society has reached an all-time high of over 1,000 volunteers.  Zoo volunteers contributed a record 78,652 hours of service last year, representing more than $1.4 million in support.

Volunteers can be found all around the Detroit Zoo.  They are at the Australian Outback Adventure walking along the pathway and teaching visitors about kangaroos and wallabies.  They can be seen in the Arctic Ring of Life answering questions on polar bears and seals.  They also help at special events from Bunnyville in April to Zoo Boo in October.

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer at the Zoo.  Many participants get involved with ongoing volunteer programs by becoming Docents, Gallery Guides, Staff Aides, Gardeners and Ford Education Center Assistants.  With time commitments in the range of 20 to 75 hours per year, there is an opportunity that fits into almost any schedule. 

The perks that come with being a Zoo volunteer include free admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free parking, an annual volunteer appreciation party, discounts in the gift shop and at concession stands, discounts on Zoo memberships, and opportunities to attend conferences and all-volunteer trips for continuing education.

Volunteers are recruited March through June and September through October each year.  Opportunities and expectations will be discussed in detail at orientation sessions planned for Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., or Saturday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. to noon.  No experience is necessary; training will be provided.  Volunteers do not handle or feed animals.  Participants must be at least 18 years of age. 

“Volunteering at the Zoo is a perfect way to meet new people who share a love of animals, learn about this regional cultural gem and the animals it houses, and help the Zoo fulfill its mission of ‘Celebrating and Saving Wildlife’,” said the Zoo’s Volunteer Services Manager Linda Denomme.  For more information on volunteering, call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3806 or email volunteer@dzs.org.   

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March, and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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