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| January 30, 2009
Media Contact: Sondra Katzen Brookfield Zoo 708/688-8351 Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org |
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Brookfield, IL—The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is looking for volunteers who enjoy being outdoors and helping people increase their appreciation of animals and nature. Interviews for spring and summer volunteer positions are currently being scheduled. Volunteer opportunities in 2009 are available for Guest Guides, in Hamill Family Play Zoo, and, for summer only, in Children’s Zoo and Butterflies! as well as interpretive volunteers. Weekday time slots are especially needed. Summer positions are perfect for college students and teachers! Guest Guide volunteers welcome zoo guests, assist them with an orientation to the zoo and all its offerings, make recommendations for a more satisfying visit, and address questions and concerns. Participants in this program spend their days in the great outdoors. Hamill Family Play Zoo volunteers assist the exhibit’s play program facilitators with crafts, costume play, nature arts, mud and water play, and other fun games offered to youngsters. The Play Zoo is a unique adventure where children and their families can play and interact with animals, plants, and people. The purpose is to help young children, specifically infants to 10-year-olds, develop caring attitudes toward the natural world. In this technological age, where children have frequent exposure to computers and television, the Play Zoo offers captivating experiences that are unique to playing in nature-related settings. Interpretive, Children’s Zoo, and Butterflies! volunteers engage Brookfield Zoo guests in conservation education by offering facts about the animals as well as interpreting the exhibits. Volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years old and enjoy talking with people of all ages and backgrounds. All of the zoo’s volunteers spend at least part of their day walking throughout the zoo, regardless of the weather. Special accommodations can be made for people who use wheelchairs or electronic convenience vehicles. Volunteers are asked to contribute a minimum of one four-hour shift a week during the summer. Morning and afternoon shifts are available on weekdays and weekends. A flexible schedule can be arranged for those who cannot commit to a specific day or time. In addition, flexible onsite training is provided for all volunteer positions. For further information and to submit your application online, visit the zoo's website at www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8852. The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, go online to www.CZS.org. |