If you think our animals are wild, come meet our Volunteers! The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore will be hosting an Open House for prospective volunteers on Sunday, January 29, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the Zoo’s Wild Things Gift Shop, just inside the Main Gate. Current volunteers will be near the Membership Gate to greet prospective Volunteers and direct them to the Open House.

Last year, over 1,100 Volunteers gave 31,500 hours of support in a wide variety of important activities. Volunteers are needed to engage guests in fun, educational interactions on grounds and in the community; to help our Horticulture Department to maintain plantings around the Zoo, supervising animal interactions at the KidZone (goat yard) and camel rides, supporting office personnel with administrative projects, leading crafts and games at special events, and much more.  The Zoo offers volunteer positions for people with all types of schedules and interests, and we are hoping to add approximately 120 new Volunteers this year.

During the Open House, guests will learn about the essential role Volunteers play in conservation education, grounds keeping, and visitor support.  Current Volunteers and staff will be on hand to discuss spring openings, including training, scheduling, and the rewards of volunteering. We will also have representatives on hand to discuss College internships, and the Junior Zoo Crew, our unique service-learning program for teens ages 14-17.