Animal Diaries Archive

Volunteering in Kids Zoo

21 March 2008

Australia Zoo is very fortunate to have the assistance of dedicated volunteers. Some of them are lucky enough get to join the Kids Zoo staff for a memorable day with the baby animals.

So what do the volunteers do and what do they think of their day in Kids Zoo. I asked one of our volunteers (Nicole) and this is her version of a day in Kids Zoo...

Nicole said:

“We come into a lot of smiles and happy faces of the baby animals and also the staff. The day starts with cleaning out the pens and lots of affectionate cuddles with the animals. We then start walking some of the animals and say hello to patrons and other staff along our walk. Then we run home because the animals know that it is feed time (approx 10 a.m. by this time).

10.30a.m. we have a fun, noisy swarm of activities as it is bottle feeding time. Kids love it and parents love it even more! Then we take the babies out for a play, we hang out with them and watch them run crazy and have great quality time.

We are always chasing our tails cleaning manure out of pens through out the day, but that is OK because we get to spend more time with them. It is generally a blast to be in Kids Zoo. To see the fun the kids have, especially the wee little ones in prams who touch the animals for the first time. Some of the animals lick their toes and they giggle like crazy.

After lunch we walk the calves, this is good exercise for the calves and us as well and fun to boot. I like the staff in Kids Zoo; they are fun and great people to work with. I also like the interaction, hands on and getting to know the personalities of the animals as they learn to trust you.

Kids Zoo is a constant pace of work, no rushing, but always something to do and they never say no to cuddles, pats and brushing (the animals that is). And it is great because everyone visits Kids Zoo from patrons to volunteers and other staff as well.”

A big thank you to all the volunteer staff at Australia Zoo, we love having you around and we can’t thank you enough for your time.