Volunteers assist with everything from educational programs, animal husbandry, preparing diets, special events and more.
COAL VALLEY, Ill. (April 30, 2018) – Make a difference locally and globally by volunteering at Niabi Zoo in 2018. Those interested in conservation, education, gardening and animals are encouraged to apply by May 25.
“Volunteers have become a vital part of our team and day to day operations,” says Lee Jackson, zoo director. “This immersive experience really gives folks the opportunity to make a difference locally and globally.”
The volunteer program was revamped in 2017 when new curator of conservation and education, Joel Vanderbush, joined the Niabi team.
“Conservation is at the core of what we do,” says Vanderbush. “But you can’t have conservation without education, they go hand in hand. We’re building an army of educators to spread conservation messages throughout the community.”
Volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in many aspects of the zoo, but in general, duties can be broken out into five areas of interest.
Zoo Naturalist - Help educate zoo guests about conservation, animal behavior, and nature. Naturalists attend trainings on zoo history, interpretation skills, and content trainings for oceans, Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, reptiles, and biodiversity. Whether in front of an animal habitat or leading a tour, these positions are essential to connecting people to animals and nature.
Animal Care - Assist zookeepers in maintaining animal habitats, preparing animal diets, and behavioral enrichment. Be prepared to get dirty and work in all weather conditions. Since the wellbeing of our animals are dependent on our animal care staff, volunteers in this area must be extremely dependable and able to lift 30 lbs.
Education - Assist our educators at Zoo Camps, Classes, Field Trips, Zoo Snoozes, and Zoo Tot classes. Help set up and organize activities as well as oversee guest participation.
Horticulture - Like gardening? Get down in the dirt to help us maintain our flower beds, pollinator gardens, and planting areas.
Special Events - Join us to help with games and activities at special events such as Pints for Preservation, Boo at the Zoo, Endangered Species Day, Earth Day, Pollinator Day, World Giraffe Day, Snow Leopard Day, Breakfast with Santa and many more!
The volunteer program is open to anyone over the age of 18. Positions require a regular time commitment of once per week or every other week.
Those interested in volunteering can apply at NiabiZoo.com/Volunteer by May 25, then will be asked to attend a volunteer information session and be interviewed before being accepted into the program.
For more information on volunteer opportunities visit NiabiZoo.com/Volunteer, or contact the education department at 309-799-3482 ext 225 or email edcuation@niabizoo.com.
Niabi is now open for the 2018 season, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry is at 4 p.m.
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Located in Coal Valley, Ill., Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres that encompass 200 animal species while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island county. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating both children and adults about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and their ecosystems for future generations. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com or Facebook.com/NiabiZoo.
