We Love Our
Volunteers!
N early 400 volunteers, their guests and Zoo staff had a rockin’ good time at
this year’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. As we all know, our volunteers are a
giving group; they contributed more than 81,000 hours of their time in 2017!
The following volunteers received special mention for their extraordinary
contributions to the Zoo:
15+ years of service
Joan Barco
Bob Hassol
Linda Jenkins
Cheryl Markham
Rhoda Weinstein
15,000 hours of service Volunteer of the Year
Laurie Der Dawn Smith
7,500 hours of service
Rhoda Weinstein
What volunteers say they enjoy most about working at the Zoo:
“I enjoy everything about the Zoo; the friends I have made, the keepers and
especially the animals.” —Mark
“That every day is different; the variety of the day. I enjoy interacting with the
other volunteers and guests. After working in an office all week, it is nice to do
something out of doors!” —Nancy
“I enjoy the people and teaching the guests new things. I enjoy the animals
and how each of them have a different personality. I like helping the little kids
overcome their fear of animals.” —Tom
“Watching the faces of the little kids light up when they ask questions about the
giraffe.” —Dennis
“I enjoy meeting guests from all over the world; talking with them, listening to their stories, maybe
even dispelling some false ideas about the animals!” —Karen
“The animals and meeting the people; feeling like family with the other volunteers.” —Patricia
“It’s never boring; I’m always learning; I enjoy sharing that information with others.” —Rhoda
“Watching and interacting with the kids; seeing them touch and feed an animal for the first time,
observing that first animal encounter!”” —Steve
“The Zoo gives me a sense of purpose in educating people about our animals and why it is
important to save them from extinction.”” —Susanne
Visit brevardzoo.org/volunteer to apply. Accepted applicants are required to attend orientation and a two-day
training session before selecting assignments and shifts. The adult volunteer program is open to those ages 16 and up.