The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, celebrated its volunteers for their dedicated service on May 1. Nearly 300 volunteers and their guests attended the annual recognition dinner.
Recognition awards were presented to nearly 80 volunteers by Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society; Edie Duckworth, trustee of the Chicago Zoological Society and one of the founders of the Society’s volunteer program, now in its 44th year; and George Rabb, director emeritus of Brookfield Zoo.
The zoo has more than 800 adult and teen volunteers. In 2015, they contributed a total of nearly 80,000 hours, which based on The Independent Sector’s “National Value of Volunteer Time” has a value of nearly $2 million.
Adult volunteers, each of whom contributed an average of 121 hours in 2015, assisted in a variety of tasks throughout the zoo.
Many dedicated time as docents and shared their knowledge about animals, habitats, conservation, and nature with guests. Guest guides greeted zoogoers and answered customer service questions. Others assisted with outreach programs or with office duties, and during special Zoo events.
The Society’s volunteer program is a great opportunity to develop their social and public speaking skills, learn about animals and conservation, and make lasting friendships by meeting people with similar interests from all over Chicagoland. For more on volunteering at Brookfield Zoo, see CZS.org/Volunteer
