ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is asking people to “Ask Yourself” in a new volunteer recruitment video. The question: Do you want to be a Detroit Zoo volunteer? The answer may be just a click away for those who are considering a volunteer position at the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

The short film, produced by DZS volunteer Giff Rogers, highlights the various volunteer opportunities at the Detroit Zoo. Positions include Zoo Ambassador, Gallery Guide at the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, Guest Assistant at the Arctic Ring of Life, and member of the “Mob Squad” at the Australian Outback Adventure, among others. “Fast Facts” for each position help lead viewers to the position that may be the right fit for them.

“Volunteering with the DZS is great fun for people who would enjoy continuing their education, sharing their love of animals, meeting lifelong friends, developing new skills and even getting exercise walking the Zoo’s 125 acres,” said DZS Volunteer Services Manager Linda Denomme. “Our hope is that people will watch the video and ask themselves, ‘Who wouldn’t want to be a Detroit Zoo volunteer?’”

Recruitment and training of volunteers 18 years of age and older begin in the spring to prepare for the peak summer season, starting this year with the Detroit Zoo’s annual Bunnyville event on March 30, 2013. Training will be offered for both seasonal and year-round opportunities. The 2013 volunteer orientation dates are:

• Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 29, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Volunteer orientation sessions are held in the Detroit Zoo’s Ford Education Center; advance registration is required. Visit http://detroitzoo.org/volunteers/volunteering-detroit-zoo to download an application. For further information call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802 or email volunteer@dzs.org.

No experience is necessary to become a Detroit Zoological Society volunteer, and volunteers do not handle or feed the animals. DZS volunteers enjoy a number of benefits in exchange for their time, including discounts and an annual volunteer appreciation party. Last year, 1,167 volunteers contributed 103,335 hours of service to the DZS, representing $2,251,670 in support.

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