More than just a number

April 10 through April 16 is National Volunteer Week, and we here at the Zoo are so grateful for the countless hours volunteers dedicate to our animals and grounds. The Zoo is excited to welcome our new Volunteer Programs Coordinator and cannot wait to see what opportunities are ahead.
I started working at the Virginia Zoo a little over a month ago as the Volunteer Programs Coordinator. One of the first things I noticed was how many hours our volunteers served in 2015 – more than 23,000 hours! That is absolutely staggering, as well as motivating to be a part of such a dedicated group.
But volunteers are much more than numbers. They are the people you often see while walking around the Zoo. They may help you find a restroom, answer a burning question you have about an animal, or lead a program for a school group. Our volunteers also help with many “behind-the-scenes” activities that you may not notice, from maintaining our beautiful gardens to cutting out crafts for our big events. Every little bit helps.
DSC_0843
Our “Zoo Crew” volunteers you see here may have started a month ago or may have been volunteering here for 30 years. They help educate our visitors and inspire them to take part in local and global conservation efforts. If you are thinking about volunteering, I encourage you to think about becoming a part of our Zoo family.  We also welcome corporate companies, local organizations and small groups that want to volunteer for a day or two!  Many hands make light work.
I am privileged to work with all of our volunteers and love hearing their stories. We are always accepting applications for volunteers, so click here to become a part of our Zoo Crew family!
Kristine Kastenbaum
Volunteer Programs Coordinator