VOLUNTEERING

     

     Volunteering has many benefits such as connecting with other in your community, meeting new people who have the same interest as you. It also helps build self-esteem, self confidence, and even helps improve your health. 

     Other benefits of volunteering include advancement of your career through experience and development of skills. Those who want to enter a new career can use volunteering to enable them to gain experience in the field as well as meet people whom he or she may likely end up working with. Volunteering also allows you to develop and practice skills often utilized in the workplace such as planning projects, problem solving, critical thinking, time management, organization, communication, and teamwork.

     For those who are thinking about changing their career, volunteering enables you to try out a new field without having to make it a long term thing. You get to experience working in the field and should you find it to your liking, you may already have met several key people that could help you start out. There are certainly many benefits to volunteering. The beauty of it all is that while you are helping others, you are also actually helping yourself.

 

 

             Benefits of volunteering at Zoo Safari USA

 

1. Experience working with different species of animals.

2. Prospective employers like seeing volunteer work on application or resume.

3. Meeting new people.

4. Satisfaction of helping others.

5. Gaining new knowledge and educating others.

6. Improving your self-worth.

 

 

  If you would like to volunteer at Zoo Safari USA call 1-918-386-2203 or email thelearningzoo@ymail.com

 

 

 

GET INVOLVED

 

We Love Our Volunteers

 

We know that we could not do everything we do for the zoo’s animals and the people who love them without you, our extraordinary, dedicated volunteers. You are so important to our organization! Volunteers have donated more than 4,300 hours in a year. Wow!

 

Guess what? We can always use more help. How great would it feel to help rehabilitate an abused animal back to full health? Or work a special event that raised funds for the animals in our care? Or walk a tortoise? There are so many ways you can help as a volunteer – from getting down and dirty with the animals to educating students at a local school. And we appreciate every hour.

 

Volunteer Opportunities Include

 

Tortoise Walking

Fundraising

Assisting with lectures

Assisting with special events

Maintaining Exhibits*

Gardening

 

Are you ready to volunteer yet?

Here are the details. To become a Zoo Safari USA volunteer you must:

• Care about animal welfare.
• Be able to make a six-month commitment.
• Be at least 15 years of age to volunteer.
• Have the written permission of a parent or guardian if you are between 15 and 17 years old.
• Fill out a Volunteer Application
• Be willing to demonstrate a positive, customer-oriented attitude when dealing with the public as well as a collaborative, teamwork approach when working with staff and other volunteers.

 

*Volunteers who directly work with the animals will require additional training.

 

Need more information or help? Contact Zoo Safari USA at 918-386-2203

 

If you are interested in any of our volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Department at 918-386-2203

 

 

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VOLUNTEER STORIES

 

                                                           

Cliff Flock has been volunteering for Zoo Safari USA at the Red Fern Festival in Tahlequah since 2011. His responsibility is to watch Dozer the Sulcata Tortoise throughout the two day event, and explain to visitors about what Sulcata Tortoises eat, their habitat and that Dozer likes to patted on the shell.

 

Due to his work and family dedication Cliff is only able to work the festival, but his outgoing personality and knowledge of reptiles (he specializes in geckos) has endured him to our hearts as one of the best volunteers we have had over the years.

 

Cliff’s greatest achievement for Zoo Safari USA was for the fundraising and construction of the tortoises building and spacious yard, and without his help we never would have had such a beautiful exhibit for Dozer and Delilah.

 

 

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                                                     My time volunteering at Zoo Safari USA                June 4, 2017

 

 

My time volunteering at the Zoo Safari was amazing. I was able to establish bonds with animals that I would have never gotten the opportunity to in everyday life. By establishing these bonds, I felt like I was making a difference in their lives, even if just slightly, with the short time I got to spend with them. Unfortunately, I had to leave my volunteering experience at the Zoo Safari behind me, as I advanced into a new career. Having to give up my weekly visit was a very hard decision for me to make.

 

Every week I looked forward to seeing my favorite animals and getting to hug them and play with them, scratching Wilber’s belly, and giving Chaney hugs. The Zoo taught me more responsibility and taught me things about the animals that I wouldn’t have known otherwise, like how Tortoises have more life than some people, or how Capybaras make a cute little bark when they are startled. I know that without having been a part of the Zoo family, I would have never gotten to encounter these animals at such close proximity, and get to aid in their care!

 

While leaving the Zoo was hard, I knew that they understood. Volunteering brings a true warmth to your heart, makes you feel complete, and shows others that you are willing to do something without anything in return. Not only is volunteering at the Zoo Safari fun, but in my case it aided in me getting a job. If it isn’t enough that it makes you feel good to volunteer and establish bonds with exotic animals, employers love to hear that you have put in so much time with the Zoo! Volunteering here is truly something that I believe everyone should do, or try. While you get dirty doing it, it is completely worth it! There is never a dull day at the Zoo Safari, never! I enjoyed every second of my days there and I will continue to whenever the opportunity arises!  -Sarah Carney