BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT THE GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO!

And learn how YOU will Benefit from being a Volunteer at the Zoo:

  • wonderful way to support and participate in the conservation of living things;
  • meet, share experiences and help people from all over the world;
  • learn valuable new skills, expand your horizons and gain meaningful experiences;
  • satisfaction in knowing that you are making an important contribution to the Zoo, its animals, visitors and to be part of the community.
 




** Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to enrich your life and develop you as a person, have fun, experience the satisfaction of helping others and make new friends.

 

Zoo Volunteer Requirements

  • Be enthusiastic, energetic and interested in working with the public and with nature.
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Must complete a training session.
  • Be willing to commit to a minimum of 8 volunteer hours of service per month.




Zoo Volunteer Roles

  • Good-will Ambassador: meeting and greeting the public, giving directions and answering inquiries about the Zoo, its animals and educational programs.
  • Assisting staff with crowd control, gardening, interpretive tours*, minor emergencies, animal food preparation* and enrichment activities [(*): requires specialized training]
  • Staffing the information stations, touch tables and animal viewing decks.
  • Participating in special events and projects.
  • Assisting with the publication of the Wild Times Newsletter and assisting with writing of articles for Creature Features.

 

We have just completed a new volunteer training session, so please stay tuned for the next time!

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer at the Greater Vancouver Zoo please contact Barbara Lafresnaye (Volunteer Coordinator) blafresnaye@gvzoo.com or 604.856.6825 ext. 26

 

VOLUNTEER NEWS - WE THANK YOU!

Our Volunteer Appreciation BBQ which took place on Sunday September 13th was a great success!  Thanks to all of you that attended. Volunteers and guests participated in some games while enjoying the usual BBQ treats.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is extremely thankful to all our dedicated volunteers who put in numerous hours and work extremely hard at meeting & greeting our guests, answering questions & assisting with education about the animals, office assistance, helping with special events, doing enrichment projects and representing the Zoo as goodwill ambassadors.

  "2008 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR" was presented to Jennifer Skowronek

 
Jennifer has been a volunteer at the Greater Vancouver Zoo since 2006 and has devoted her time to many areas of the Zoo. She has been responsible for our Wild Times Newsletter, spending many hours working in the information booth, painted many children's happy faces, assisted at the North American Wilds bus station, helped out in the vivarium, attended many special events, most recently helping with some marketing and so much more. Jennifer can be counted on to offer her assistance wherever and whenever we need her and always with a smile! She has accumulated 686.5 hours so far and received the most nominations from her peers.
Jennifer is the type of person you just want to be around, we are so proud to have you part of the Greater Vancouver Zoo family and hope she stays with us for many years to come.
On behalf of everyone at the Greater Vancouver Zoo - congratulations and Thank You for all your time and devotion to the zoo...it is truly appreciated - way to go Jenn! 
In addition to Jennifer, we have 3 other outstanding volunteers that deserve having their names in the spotlight and a huge thank you from everyone at the Greater Vancouver Zoo!
2008 Gold Certificate (most volunteer hours in 2008) - Angela Wonitowy. Angela provided over 650 hours of her time at the zoo in 2008. During her 12 years of volunteer service at the zoo, she has accumulated 3262.5 hours to date. Angela was the recipient of the 2007 Volunteer of Year Award and is found every week at the Zoo, willing and ready to help out wherever she may be needed. We appreciate everything that you do Angela! 
2008 Silver Certificate (2nd most volunteer hours in 2008) - Sheena Tremblay. In 2008 Sheena gave the zoo over 260 hours of her time, and since her arrival to the zoo in 2007 she has accumulated over 607.5 hours to date. Sheena's love for all animals and her sunny disposition is a welcome addition to the Zoo's volunteer family.Thank you Sheena - keep smilin!
2008 Bronze Certificate (3rd most volunteer hours in 2008) - Rudy Faessler. Rudy gave us over 240 hours in 2008, but over the many years that he has been with us has provided us with well over 1472 hours to date. Rudy is a very kind soul and can be often seen fixing and building many things at the zoo, greeting guests, many special events and his train tunnel display has always been a great hit with our Safari Miniature Express Train passengers. Thank you Rudy for all you do - we love you!!

Volunteer Contact Information

Again...if are you keen on learning more, we are always looking for energetic people - please contact Barbara Lafresnaye (Volunteer Coordinator) at blafresnaye@gvzoo.com or via phone at 604.856.6825.ext 26.