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.

 

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 Appreication Dinner which took place on Saturday December 10th was a great success! Thanks to all of you that attended. The food and company were wonderful, and we missed those of you who were unable to attend.

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.

  "2010 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR" was presented to Teresa Loren

 
Teresa started as a volunteer in 2009 and in 2010 contributed 270 hours. She is Co-Chair of the Volunteer Executive and has played a very important role in the re-organization of the volunteer program.
Teresa also helps out a the Information Booth, with cleaning the vivarium and with food prep - anywhere she is needed! She is recognized for her positive attitude and hard work.
On behalf of everyone at the Greater Vancouver Zoo - congratulations and Thank You for all your time and dedication Teresa we truly appreciate it!
In addition to the "Volunteer of the Year" award, we provide "Certificates of Merits" to recognize volunteers for their hard efforts and our way of saying thanks!

Gold Certificate of Merit - Teresa Loren
413.75 hours in 2011
796 hours since June 2009
Silver Certificate of Merit - Bernard VanSpronsen
292.75 hours in 2011 
452 hours since February 2010

Bronze Certificate of Merit - Trevor Walden
286 hours in 2011
2590 hours since July 1999
1000 hours milestone pins were given to: Jennifer Skowronek (1210 hours since June 2006)
500 hours milestone pins were given to: Teresa Loren
250 hours milestone pines were given to: Andrew Paisley, Bernard VanSpronsen and Susan Rouse
100 hours milestone pins were given to: Elina Gress, Greg Loren, Robert McDonald and SeHee Eom
Special recognition to: Angela Wonitowy (4212 hours since May 2000), Peter Holmes (2380 hours since May 2000), Marion Kouleas (1514 hours since April 2000), Jane Butler (1263 hours since September 2001) and Rudy Faessler (1667 hours since June 2002).  
We don't know what we would do without the help and dedication from our volunteers - thank you for everything you do from everyone at the Greater Vancouver Zoo!

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.