Minnesota Zoo Volunteers Complete 3,000,000 Hours of Service to Save Wildlife

Apple Valley, MINN – May 5, 2016 – The Minnesota Zoo is proud to recognize a major milestone of its dedicated volunteer corps – 3,000,000 hours of service to save wildlife. This accomplishment represents the collective service of more than 12,547 volunteers who have donated their time and talent since the Zoo first opened 38 years ago.

The Zoo’s volunteer corps consists of more than 1,100 active volunteers annually. Volunteers work in most areas of the Zoo, assisting guests during their visits, supporting daily staff activities and contributing to stand-alone projects. “They are fantastic stewards of our mission to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife, and contribute in so many ways to making this organization and its programs truly amazing. We wouldn’t be the zoo we are without the dedication of our Minnesota Zoo volunteers,” said Volunteer Services Manager Sheri White Commers.

“We had a great volunteer program when I was first on staff as a zookeeper more than 20 years ago,” noted John Frawley, president and director of the Minnesota Zoo. “The growth and quality of this program has obviously continued since then. I can’t think of a stronger, more committed volunteer corps anywhere in the country today. Our volunteers help create safe, amazing experiences for the 1.2 million guests and students we serve every year. We owe them all our heartfelt thanks.”

If you are looking for a truly wild time this summer, consider becoming a Minnesota Zoo volunteer. Volunteers meet new friends, learn all about exotic and domestic animals, and provide an invaluable service to the Zoo and its guests. The Zoo is currently seeking volunteers, age 17+, for its 2016 summer seasonal, Wells Fargo Family Farm and Conservation Carousel programs. For more information, visit mnzoo.org (click on “get involved” and then “volunteers”) or call the Volunteer Office at 952.431.9588.

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Its mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).