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ROYAL OAK, Mich. February 28, 2012 – Hear the roar of the lions this summer while meeting others who share a love of animals as a Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) volunteer.  The DZS is seeking individuals 18 years and older to guide and assist visitors at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo for the 2012 season.

Recruitment and training of volunteers begin in the spring to prepare for the peak summer season, starting with the Detroit Zoo’s annual Bunnyville event on April 7, 2012.  Training will be offered for both seasonal and year-round opportunities in the Zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure and Wildlife Interpretive Gallery as well as at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Visit www.detroitzoo.org  and click on the “Volunteers” link for descriptions of all volunteer positions.

The 2012 volunteer orientation dates are:
  • Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 19, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, June 7, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Volunteer orientation sessions are held in the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center.  Advance registration is required.  For information and an application, call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802 or email volunteer@dzs.org" mce_href="mailto:volunteer@dzs.org" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(106, 48, 214); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; font-size: medium; ">volunteer@dzs.org.  

“Volunteering with the DZS is fun and interesting for individuals who enjoy continuing education.  A minimum commitment of 20 hours annually makes it easy for those with busy schedules.  Try it out for one season, April to October, and see how it fits,” said DZS Volunteer Services Manager Linda Denomme.  

No experience is necessary to become a Detroit Zoological Society volunteer, just a friendly and outgoing personality.  Volunteers enjoy a number of benefits in exchange for their valuable time, including discounts and an annual volunteer appreciation party.

Last year, 1,133 volunteers contributed 98,195 hours of service to the DZS, representing $2,097,445 in support.