Enrichment is experiences we offer our animals daily that allow them to express species-specific natural behaviors. For many species we have to provide a variety of enrichment daily to give the animals choice within their environment and throughout their day. Enrichment is made by the Animal Behavior & Wellbeing department then delivered to animal areas. The enrichment we make includes, but is not limited to, food bags/boxes/tubes, paper braids, paper mache, frozen food items, scented items, pinecone/wreath feeders, and more. This is a great opportunity for people who have a creative mind, are crafty, can paint, paper mache, or use power tools.
Requirements
- Ideal candidates are creative or crafty as many projects include paint and paper mache. Some power tool use might be available for specific projects.
- Must be able to use stairs.
- Must be open to both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Available to volunteer on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for at least 1 year.
- Available shifts Tuesdays – Saturdays.
- Usually scheduled in 1 morning or afternoon shift a week on a consistent schedule.
- Inform the appropriate member of the behavior staff if you are unable to make a scheduled shift or will be absent for an extended period of time.
Responsibilities
Enrichment Volunteers help the Animal Behavior & Wellbeing Department make safe enrichment, which simulate animals’ natural behaviors. Volunteers will perform a variety of functions, including, but not limited to:
- Making food and non-food enrichment for the animals
- Following directions and all safety protocols carefully to maximize health outcomes
- Prepping supplies (removing tape and/or staples, counting and measuring, etc.)
- Follow all cleaning protocols and USDA standards once enrichment making is complete
- Delivering enrichment supplies to select areas
- Help design new enrichment items for animals
- May observe animals with the enrichment made to evaluate effectiveness
Application Periods
We are not currently recruiting for the Enrichment Volunteer program. Fill out the Enrichment Volunteer Contact Form to be notified when positions are available.
