Last week Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrated National Volunteer Week with a special morning tea for our volunteers to thank them for the countless hours of time and service they provide to the Zoo every year.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for organisations to recognise the important role that volunteers play in many aspects of the local community. It’s a way to say thank you to all volunteers across various organisations and associations in the region, including the zoo.

The Zoo has over 100 volunteers and over 50 Youth at the Zoo (YATZ) who play an important role fulfilling a wide variety of functions from guiding the early morning walk experience through to observing animal behaviour and creating enrichment items for animals, to testing water quality and assisting with school holiday programs and overnight experiences.

Volunteers are a valuable asset for any organisation and the Zoo recognises and thanks its volunteers for their ongoing support, dedication and commitment to conservation and the environment.

“Their contribution is enormous, we couldn’t do the great things we do here at the Zoo without them,” said Director, Steve Hinks.

“Volunteers have been a part of the Zoo team for over three decades, we are so thankful for the contribution they make to the Zoo and their local community,” said Steve.

Find out more about volunteering at the Zoo as either an adult or youth volunteer here.