Written by
ZSL
Zoological Society of London
17 July 2020
Thank you to our volunteer heroes – an update from ZSL Volunteer Manager, Rhiannon Green - 14 September 2020
We have been bowled over by the amazing response we had to our appeal for an army of volunteers to help us to get back on our feet. Nearly two months on, over 2,500 individuals from across the UK have expressed interest in helping out at our zoos. A huge thank you to all our current and new volunteer heroes at ZSL – we are so grateful for all that you do.
We have now paused recruitment for new volunteers at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo for the remainder of 2020 whilst we support the current team to get the most out of their volunteering journey with ZSL. We will update our volunteering pages when we have new volunteer opportunities once again.
We’ve already been overwhelmed by the phenomenally generous response to our fundraising campaign, which is being supported by Sir David Attenborough. We have a long road ahead, but our supporters are helping us get there, one step at a time and we couldn’t be more thankful.
Now we are extending our appeal to those who can spare time to help at our zoos – particularly anyone still furloughed from their jobs or students who have been forced to cancel gap year travel plans.
Our volunteer manager Rhiannon Green explains: “We are delighted to have the zoos open again, but we are facing operational challenges that are new to us. We know from the heartwarming response to our fundraising appeal that people really want to help us.
“For some people sparing time might be how they can help us best – especially those on furlough, or whose travel plans have been disrupted.”
We’re asking anyone interested volunteering to commit to at least half a day each fortnight, helping to assist zoo visitors as they make their way around the zoo via modified trails.
Rhiannon adds: “We need cheery, flexible people who can help visitors enjoy their day while respecting the measures that keep everyone safe.”
Volunteers with our zoos will gain invaluable work experience in customer service, get the chance to learn about wildlife, work as a team and experience first-hand how the leisure and tourism sector is operating in a post-lockdown world.