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VOLUNTEER
HANDBOOK
Louisville Zoo Volunteer:
Welcome! Thank
you for choosing to donate your time and talent to the Louisville
Zoo. Your contributions as a volunteer will assist the Zoo in
maintaining its status as one of the top leisure attractions for
families in the region! Volunteer hours also help us demonstrate
community support when we apply for grants and other funding.
The Louisville
Zoo plays a key role in a vibrant and growing community. It has
been recognized nationally and internationally for its work in
wildlife management and conservation as well as its education
programs. And it is home to award winning exhibits including the
Islands and Gorilla Forest.
Every year
hundreds of thousands of young people visit the Zoo and its “living
classroom” for the ultimate learning experience. Families flock to
the Zoo to enjoy the many special events throughout the year, or
just to spend some quality time together amid exotic animals and
beautiful botanic gardens.
It’s an exciting
time to be at the Zoo. Having just opened the popular Lorikeet
Landing and Wallaroo Walkabout, plans are now underway for the next
major exhibit called Glacier Run.
We are pleased to
welcome you as a Zoo Volunteers. We look forward to a long and
productive relationship. A relationship we are confident will bring
its own special rewards for your efforts.
Diane Taylor
Volunteer Coordinator
Mission
“To better the bond between people and
the planet…through emphasizing conservation, education, scientific
study and recreation in all aspects of the Louisville Zoo’s
exhibits, programs, facilities and activities.”
Philosophy and Purpose
As a community asset with a
responsibility of trust to support the community, we are determined
to develop and utilize our resources to achieve the following:
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Assemble, exhibit, manage and care
for a diverse collection of animal and plant species.
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Instill in the public a respect
for the animals and plants with whom we share the earth.
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Network, globally and locally, for
the conservation of life on our planet.
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Be acknowledged as a culturally
significant facility.
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Educate people about natural
history, conservation, interrelationships among living things,
the preservation of life and the impact these issues have on our
planet.
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Further the understanding and
conservation of life through scientific studies in husbandry,
reproduction, behavior and other scientific disciplines.
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Provide a comfortable, valued
recreational experience which meets the needs of our guests.
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Operate in a fiscally responsible
manner with a balance of private and public support in an
ongoing effort to be self-sustaining.
Ethical Standards for LZG Volunteers
The Louisville Zoological Garden
acknowledges the valuable contribution it receives through the
interest, time, and experience donated by Volunteers. Because
Volunteers are intimately involved in our Zoo programs and
activities, standards of conduct are set forth for protection of
Volunteers and the institution.
Volunteer service must be undertaken
for the betterment of the Louisville Zoological Garden and its
mission, not for personal gain other than the inherent reward and
satisfaction of participating. Louisville Zoological Garden
Volunteers may not receive compensation for performance of tasks as
a Volunteer. Personal compensation includes gifts, fees, gratuities,
or other dispensation to the Volunteer or to members of the
Volunteer’s immediate family or household.
Volunteers who have access to live and
preserved collections, research data, staff activities, and
associated privileged information must respect the confidentiality
of their positions.
History
Since 1969, the Louisville Zoo has
dedicated itself to the pursuits of education, conservation,
scientific study and recreation. Accredited by the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1980, the “State Zoo of Kentucky”
currently exhibits over 1,300 animals on 135 acres of naturalistic
and mixed animal settings representing eight zoogeographical areas:
Gorilla Forest, ISLANDS, the African Veldt, Asian Plains, North and
South American Panorama, Aquatics and Australian Outback.
To keep in step with its unprecedented
growth, the Louisville Zoo has embarked on new Master and Strategic
Plans that highlight proposals for future expansion and renovation.
This ongoing development will enable the Zoo to continue to provide
quality visitor services while maintaining the best possible
environment for its animal collection.
The Zoo is accredited as a zoo by the
American Association of Zoos and Aquariums and recently accredited
for its botanical collection. The combination creates an immersion
that takes visitors into the habitat of some of the rarest animals
on Earth.
ISLANDS and Gorilla Forest are the two
award-winning exhibits that anchor – or tie together – the entire
Zoo experience. These exhibits provide year-round, indoor and
outdoor experiences of the highest caliber. For the zoo profession,
they are models for future exhibits that offer enrichment husbandry
and visitor immersion experiences.
The Louisville Zoo is also
distinguishing itself in the area of education. The innovative
MetaZoo Education Center has become a prototype for zoos and parks
across the nation as the first facility of its kind to serve as both
a public exhibit and a living classroom.
The MetaZoo’s many programs, led by
college-trained instructors and trained personnel are developed to
serve the needs of individuals, teachers and students of all ages
both in the metropolitan area but increasingly throughout Kentucky.
The Zoo is one of six institutions in
the world to house a captive breeding population of Black-footed
ferrets, America’s most endangered mammal. It also houses 40
species that are part of the AZA Species Survival Plan.
Of special note are the Zoo’s
pioneering achievements in the areas of animal husbandry and
scientific study, for which it has drawn international recognition.
In 1988, the Louisville Zoo was the proud recipient of the
prestigious Edward H. Bean Award for its long-term Woolly Monkey
Propagation Program. A complete list of awards is attached.
Other accomplishments include the
first successful transfer of an embryo from an exotic equine into a
domestic horse and the Raptor Rehabilitation Program
Membership
Currently serving over 35,000
families, membership to the Louisville Zoo offers year-round
opportunities for learning and entertainment in an environment that
enhances the Zoo’s commitment to education, conservation, scientific
study and recreation. A good family value, the Zoo offers a wide
variety of new programs and events as well as established favorites
designed for visitors of all ages. Zoo members receive many
benefits:
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FREE admission for 12 full months
every time they visit during regular Zoo hours.
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FREE or discounted admission to
over 125 reciprocal zoos and aquariums nationwide.
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FREE admission to “The
World’s Largest Halloween Party!”
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Member Appreciation Nights with
FREE train, tram and carousel rides on select nights in July,
July and August.
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Discount and early registration
privileges for educational classes, camps and birthday parities.
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10% discount at the Zoo Gift
Shops.
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A subscription to the Trunkline,
our fun and educational member magazine.
The Louisville Zoo also participates
in a Matching Gift Program whereby many corporations match the
memberships of their employees with company donations. By
encouraging support of organizations such as the Zoo, corporations
enhance family-oriented recreation and community pride as well as
support important conservation efforts.
Volunteer Services
Organization: Volunteer
Services encompasses several aspects of volunteerism within the Zoo
community. These can generally be categorized in the following
areas.
The Adult Volunteer Program is
available for adults age 18 and older who are committed to giving
time to the Louisville Zoo.
The Zoo Teen Program is
available for students ages 13 through 18 who are interested in
exploring career opportunities in the zoo industry. Students must
be 13 years old by the application deadline of the year in which
they wish to participate.
The Intern Program is available
for students/graduates pursuing higher education and for high school
students in a limited capacity. These require time commitments as
designated by the interned areas. Sessions are available in
accordance with school semesters (fall, spring, summer).
The Externship Program is to
provide fourth-year veterinary students an introduction to
zoological medicine.
Volunteer Policies
The Louisville Zoological Garden
supports the involvement of Volunteers in its activities. The Zoo
has grown dependent on the use of dedicated Volunteers who
contribute tens of thousands of hours annually to the operation of
Zoo facilities and programs. The Volunteer Program enables the Zoo
to enrich and extend its programs, services, conservation and
research efforts. The Coordinator of Volunteers is responsible for
the overall program, the success of which depends on the
enthusiastic support and cooperation of Zoo Staff and Volunteers.
Absences: If a Volunteer
is going to be absent (illness, vacation, emergency, etc.), they
should contact both the department in which they are assigned and
the Volunteer Office. It is important that absences are reported
since Staff depends on Volunteers. With more hands, more work can be
accomplished.
Attendance: Failure to
report or tardiness for a scheduled Volunteer assignment without
making contact with the appropriate supervising staff member can
affect the ability of the Zoo to serve the public. Volunteers should
make every effort to fulfill assignment commitments.
Recruitment: Interested
persons can learn about the Zoo Volunteer Program from several
sources including Zoo Staff members, Zoo Trunkline publication, and
the Zoo’s website: www.louisvillezoo.org.
Additional recruitment
methods include presentations to local interest groups. However, the
best recruitment method remains word of mouth from dedicated
individuals like yourself.
Registration: Once the
prospective Volunteer contacts Volunteer Services for further
information, this person is sent a Volunteer information packet that
includes an application form. The cover letter in the information
packet explains that the prospective Volunteer must contact
Volunteer Services to set up an interview.
Interview: An interview
is conducted with each prospective Volunteer. This allows the
Coordinator of Volunteers to learn as much as possible about the
person’s interests, experiences, and motivation. General policies
and legal documentation will also be explained. Specific work
assignments can be made during the interview. The interview will
also explain Volunteer positions, expectations, and facilities. New
Volunteers receive the Volunteer Handbook during the interview.
Orientation: Volunteer
candidates are required to attend Orientation prior to their start
date. The Orientation serves as the official welcome and acceptance
into the Volunteer Program. It covers Zoo policies and procedures,
safety concerns, and Volunteer benefits. Specific policies and
procedures of the Volunteer Program are outlined in the Volunteer
Handbook.
Volunteer Designations
Active Status: Volunteers
desiring to maintain Active Status, must do so by staying active
throughout our Fiscal Year July through June.
Special Events Volunteers: Volunteers
who are unable meet the Active Status time requirements and wish to
continue volunteering on a limited basis can become Special Events
Volunteers.
Leave of Absence: Those
needing to take a Leave of Absence must arrange it through the
Volunteer Office with a leaving and returning date. If the return
date is unknown, a reevaluation date will be set. The Volunteer will
be able to maintain his/her scheduled position during the Leave of
Absence. If after the reevaluation the Volunteer cannot return,
he/she may be moved to Inactive Status.
Inactive Status: Volunteers
that are unable to participate throughout our Fiscal Year will become
Inactive. We understand that time, availability, interests, jobs,
family concerns, etc. can influence the commitment Volunteers can
make to the Zoo.
Leaving the Volunteer Program: The
Coordinator of Volunteer Services must be notified of a Volunteer’s
intent to leave the program. The departing Volunteer is required to
turn in their Photo ID Badge. Inactive Volunteers are welcome to
return as their schedule allows, but must meet with the Coordinator
of Volunteer Services prior to reactivation.
Volunteer Management: The
management of Volunteers involves scheduling and supervising. .
Placement and scheduling of Volunteers is overseen by the
Coordinator of Volunteers. Volunteers are placed under the
supervision of Zoo Area Coordinators and Staff within their assigned
area.
Assignment: Volunteer
assignments are coordinated between the Volunteer Office and the
Area Coordinators in the departments that choose to utilize
Volunteers. Volunteers are appropriately placed, taking into
consideration their interests and abilities in addition to the needs
of the Louisville Zoo.
Training: After attending
the required Volunteer Orientation, there are two different types of
training conducted based on the assignment areas to which the
Volunteer commits:
Specialized Trainings: Docents,
must complete a specialized training prior to beginning work.
On the Job Trainings: All
other assignments, Animal Care, Horticulture, Clerical, Gift Shop, etc.,
provide on the job training as necessary.
Service Hours
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Volunteer hours serve as a basis
for special awards and recognition by the Louisville Zoo.
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In seeking grants, gifts, and
appropriations, volunteer hours demonstrate that there is
community support for the Zoo. Volunteer hours can be equated
with dollars to match or obtain other funding.
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Volunteer hours provide a value
standard by which we can evaluate the success of the volunteer
program.
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When you work at the Louisville
Zoo, please use the sign-in/out sheets each time you come. Don’t
forget to include travel time each way.
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Volunteer hours record keeping
books are located at the Receptionist Desk.
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If Volunteers are doing work at
home or away from the Zoo, please keep track of those hours and
add them to your sheets when at the Zoo or call them in to the
Volunteer office and they will be added to your sheet.
BENEFITS & RECOGNITION
Active Volunteers will receive:
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A 50% discount on all food and
drinks purchased at all concession stands while on duty and
wearing a volunteer badge.
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An invitation to annual volunteer
recognition dinner
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Invitations to special previews.
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A 10% discount in Gift Shop
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A 10% discount on purchase of
Zoo membership
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A subscription to the Trunkline
newsletter.
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