Registration for March and April Zoo Tots program also now open
COAL VALLEY, Ill. (February 27, 2017) – With an official opening date of April 15, Niabi Zoo is seeking Junior Zookeepers and volunteers as well as opening registration for March and April Zoo Tots.
Deadlines for participation in both programs are approaching – the application deadline to volunteer is Friday, March 3. The deadline to apply for the zoo’s Junior Zookeeper program is April 15.
“Niabi is about making the world a better place for all living things, and engaging youth and adults in our program of work is essential,” said Lee Jackson, Niabi’s director. “We encourage people to come experience our park, our programs and be part of our mission.”
Junior Zookeeper program
The Junior Zookeeper program is for teens between the ages of 13 and 17 who are considering a career in biology, environmental sciences and education. As a Junior Zookeeper, teens have the opportunity to assist with the zoo’s summer educational programs and learn important job skills while working alongside the Niabi staff.
Junior Zookeepers attend a three-day training camp to learn about the zoo, animal husbandry and the mission of conservation. They will develop their skills speaking with the public, and learn more about the animals at the zoo. After camp graduation, Junior Zookeepers fill volunteer positions as zoo hosts, domestic animal area guides and exhibit educators.
The fee for this program is $50 for Niabi Zoological Society Members and $60 for non-members. Fees are due on the first day of training.
Interested teens must complete an application and submit a letter of reference from a teacher or non-family member. Applications must be submitted by April 15 and are available online: http://www.niabizoo.com/Volunteer/Junior-Zookeeper.aspx.
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteers for the zoo can help in a variety of places, from education to animal areas.
“Our volunteers are an integral part of the Niabi team,” said Jackson. “They can be involved in lots of different capacities, including special events, educational programs, animal husbandry, preparing diets, conducting ethograms and more. No matter your interests, we have something you would enjoy doing.”
On Saturday, March 11, potential volunteers can learn more about the impact they can have on the lives of animals at the zoo, meet members of the Niabi Zoo team and learn about the many different volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer applications must be submitted by Friday, March 3 in order to participate in the information session. The application is available online: http://niabizoo.com/Volunteer/Volunteer-Application.aspx.
Zoo Tots
Niabi’s Zoo Tots program is geared especially for the zoo’s youngest guests, and designed to promote a love for the natural world. The one-hour programs are for children ages 2-4 and their caregivers. At each Zoo Tots session, participants make a craft, do fun learning activities and get up close with an animal.
The March and April Zoo Tots programs are now open for registration:
Zoo Tots - Letter O
Thursday, March 9, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Saturday, March 11, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Zoo Tots - Letter P
Thursday, April 6, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Saturday, April 8, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
To register, visit http://niabizoo.com/Education-Programs/EdZoocation-at-Niabi-Zoo/Zoo-tots-and-Homeschool.aspx.
For more information about Niabi, its exhibits and upcoming events, visit NiabiZoo.com.
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About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres that encompass 140 animal species from multiple continents while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island county. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals representing over 200 species 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. The educational center is an important part of their mission to connect the community with the natural world through conservation leadership and engaging educational experiences. Niabi Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in each and every visitor as they work in the community.
Niabi Zoo opens April 15th for the 2017 season. For more information about the zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com.
