BALTIMORE, MD — If you think our animals are wild, come meet our Volunteers and see if you have what it takes to join the herd! The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore will be hosting an Open House for prospective volunteers on Sunday, January 25, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Zoo’s Mansion House Porch.

During the Open House, current volunteers and staff will be on hand to discuss all the details including training, scheduling, and the rewards of volunteering. There will also be Zoo representatives on hand to discuss college internships and the Junior Zoo Crew, our unique service-learning program for teens ages 14-17. There will also be Q&A sessions at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. During these short sessions, people will learn about the essential role Volunteers play in conservation education, visitor support, grounds keeping, and more!

Last year, 1,027 Volunteers gave 36,000 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, supervise human/animal interactions at the Goat Corral and camel rides, support office personnel with administrative projects, lead crafts and games at special events, and much more. The Zoo offers volunteer positions for people with all types of schedules and interests, so attend the Open House and find out more!

Applicants do not need to attend the Open House in order to be considered. Online applications will be taken until February 23, 2015, and training for adult volunteers begins in March. 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.