Two orientation sessions will be held to describe volunteer opportunities and expectations.  Orientations will be held at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo on Thursday, February 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
 
After the presentations, candidates will have the opportunity to sign up for an individual, informal interview with the Volunteer Services staff to discuss their interests, complete paperwork including a background check, and sign up for training sessions.

Volunteers are needed to lend a hand in the following areas:

Deer Encounter – Volunteers will share information and answer guests’ questions regarding the deer.  Other duties include assisting with public feeding of the deer as well as helping to maintain the garden area around the Deer Encounter.  Shifts vary from two to three hours.

Special Events – Volunteers will help at designated events throughout the year.  Responsibilities vary with the types of events but generally include greeting guests, handing out materials, helping with arts and crafts, and assisting with set-up and clean-up.  Shifts vary from three to four hours per event.

“Our goal is to recruit volunteers who are interested in sharing their love of nature and their appreciation for the unique and wonderful gem of Belle Isle,” said Volunteer Services Manager Linda Denomme.  “More and more people, from bird watchers to families to school groups, are finding the Belle Isle Nature Zoo to be a favorite source of information and activities.  Volunteers will enhance the experience for all visitors.”

Many perks come with being a volunteer, including free admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free parking, an annual volunteer appreciation party, discounts for Detroit Zoo gift shop and concession stand purchases, discounts on memberships, opportunities to attend conferences and all-volunteer trips for continuing education.

To become a volunteer, contact Linda Denomme, Volunteer Services Manager, at (248) 541-5717 x.3806 or ldenomme@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 4 p.m. November through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October.  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. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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