PRESS ROOM

 

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is inviting teens with good communication skills who enjoy biology, environmental sciences or life sciences to participate in its “Volunteen” program at the Detroit Zoo.

Teens ages 15 to 17 can apply to become a member of the Zoo Corps to engage visitors in hands-on activities designed to enhance their understanding of wildlife and wild places.  Opportunities will be available on certain dates from May through October at the Cotton Family Boardwalk, National Amphibian Conservation Center and Dinosauria – the Zoo’s blockbuster summer event featuring 40 life-like animatronic dinosaurs.

Teens ages 16 and 17 are eligible to apply for the Counselor in Training program to volunteer June 22 to August 14 in Summer Safari camps – a program that allows students K-8 to discover the wonders of nature and wildlife through hands-on activities, games and crafts.  Volunteens will interact with young campers while assisting with camp activities and tours throughout the Zoo.

“The Volunteen program is beneficial to teens who want to earn community service hours while working with a dynamic team from our education department and gain experience and skills that will allow them to thrive in a professional environment,” said DZS Volunteer Services Manager Linda Denomme.

Volunteen candidates have until April 10 to submit an application for Zoo Corps and Counselor in Training positions.  Teens chosen for the Zoo Corps program will be required to attend a training session from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, and devote a minimum of 20 hours of service during the 2015 calendar year.  Counselors in Training must attend training from 1 to 4 p.m. on either Saturday, June 6, or Wednesday, June 17, and volunteer for a minimum of two week-long Summer Safari camp sessions.

Visit www.detroitzoo.org and click on the “Volunteers” link for full descriptions of the Volunteen positions, orientation details and to download an application.   For more information, call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802 or email volunteer@detroitzoo.org.

The Detroit Zoological Society – a nonprofit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo – is recognized as a leader in conservation, animal welfare and sustainability as well as providing sanctuary for animals in need of rescue.  With an annual regional economic impact of more than $100 million, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is one of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, hosting more than 1.3 million visitors annually.  Its 125 acres of award-winning naturalistic habitats are home to more than 2,500 animals representing 280 species.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo sits on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on Belle Isle State Park in Detroit and provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community.  For hours, prices, directions and other information, call 248-541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.