VOLUNTEERS
Enriching Animals’ Lives Through Volunteers By Alyssa Knowlton, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Have you ever walked around the Zoo and seen a bonobo playing with a colorfully painted box? Have you spotted a bird eating Cheerios off a palm frond? Did you witness a tiger playing with a rice paper pinata full of spices? Keepers give these items to the animals as enrichment, which enhances the animal’s wellness by providing physical and mental stimulation while demonstrating their species-specific, natural behaviors. Enrichment can be as important as nutritional and veterinary care, and loyal groups of volunteers help provide these necessary items to the animals. Our Volunteer Engagement Department partners with different community organizations such as The Arc Jacksonville, North Florida School of Special Education, and Transitioning Adult Program (TAP) to coordinate opportunities for the volunteers to come out to the Zoo. These volunteers join us weekly throughout the school year to help clean windows and rotate through a variety of fun and engaging enrichment projects—for both volunteers and animals.
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WILD MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS
By volunteering at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, adults with intellectual differences gain job experience, social skills, and strong work ethics in a fun environment. Without their hard work and dedication, the Zoo’s animals would not experience the same level of enrichment. We unfortunately faced this reality in early 2020. Even though our weekly groups had to take a pause that spring due to the ongoing pandemic, they came back later that year and were as enthusiastic as ever. The students are currently taking their summer break for a couple of weeks, but will be back in the fall, ready to help our keepers and support animal wellness once again. When that time comes, keep an eye out for these groups cleaning windows around the Zoo and say hello if you ever meet them. So, now when you notice a bird playing with a pinecone covered in peanut butter and bird seed, you will know a little bit about the great individuals who made it.
