BALTIMORE, MD — 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 26, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the Zoo’s Mansion House Porch.

During the Open House there will be information sessions at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30 where 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.

Last year, more than 870 Volunteers gave 37,437 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. When the new penguin exhibit opens in the fall, Volunteer zoo guides will ensure that guests can find the exhibit and can inform guests about special features like the behind-the-scenes-tours and the daily Wild Encounter during penguin feedings; education volunteers will get special training this summer to be able to talk about the black-footed penguin colony and the design features of the new exhibit. The Zoo offers volunteer positions for people with all types of schedules and interests, and hopes to add approximately 100 new Volunteers this year.

Leran About Volunteering

More information and an online application can be found by here. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is located in Druid Hill Park. For specific directions or questions, please call the Volunteer Office at 443-552-5266.

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