Ball Python
Due to heat sensing pits located along the upper jaw, ball pythons can easily find prey in complete darkness. The pits open at different angles which allows the snake to tell what direction warmth is coming from.
Volunteer at the Zoo!
If you have some spare time, come spend it at the Zoo. Volunteering at the Zoo is a WILD experience! There are a number of different opportunities available:
Volunteers
Community Volunteers
Provide intermittent or occasional support for the Zoo and its staff, programs, projects and events. No commitment to a specific number of volunteer hours is required; Volunteers receive as-needed, task-specific instructions, such as working a craft table, making phone calls, preparing mailings or assisting with catering for a meeting or event.
General Volunteers
Provide similar activities as above, but are scheduled on a regular basis; attend volunteer orientation and commit to 50 hours of volunteer service per year.
Education Volunteers
Perform services directly related to public education. Duties may include assisting with educational programs, conducting school tours and interpreting animal exhibits and/or behavior. May also perform General volunteer activities, as needed. Must attend volunteer orientation, complete 20 hours of training and commit to 50 hours of service per year, for a minimum of two years.
Teen Volunteers
Perform activities similar to General Volunteers. Teens must be 15 years of age and complete volunteer orientation. Teens who are 14 years of age may be considered if they have at least two references from people of authority, such as teachers, coaches, clergy, etc. Family members may not serve as references.
Zoo Ambassadors
Perform activities similar to General Volunteers. The Zoo Ambassador program is for children, ages 10 to 13, who must be accompanied by a parent. Volunteer orientation is required.
Office Volunteers
Specifically assist the administrative and keeper staff with office projects such as mailings, compiling statistics, filing, computer assistance, ordering uniforms and nametags, etc.
Committees
Committees vary, according to the needs of the Zoo.
Photography Committee
Takes photos of animals, exhibits and events for Zoo's files.
Gardening and Watering Group
Helps to make the Zoo a beautiful place to visit.
Puppet Committee
Provides puppet shows for birthday parties and events.
Fact Sheet Committee
Prepares animal information sheets for volunteers.
Volunteer Council -- provides leadership and direction in conjunction with the staff.
Orientation & Volunteer Training
All volunteers must attend an orientation. Upcoming training dates are as follows:
- Tuesday, September 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 16, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
For more information or to request information about an upcoming orientation session, call Ellen Vaughn at (315) 435-8511 x112 or e-mail evaughn@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Wouldn't you like to be Humphrey the Humboldt and greet our guests?
