What's a Zoo Explorer?
The Little Rock Zoo Explorer Post #589 was organized in 1977. The goal
of the post is to allow young persons (ages 14-18) to explore job opportunities
in the animal management field. Once trained and qualified, Zoo Explorers
work directly with the zookeepers, learning from them the skills needed
to work in a zoo. Duties include maintenance of zoo grounds, assisting
with cleaning animal enclosures and helping with feeding of animals. Additionally,
Explorers may be asked to do observations of animals, assist with crowd
control and pitch in during special events.
What's the schedule of meetings and work?
Post meetings are on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Meetings begin at
12:00 PM at the zoo. In addition to attending meetings, Explorers must
commit to a number of volunteer service hours each month at the zoo. Minimum
requirements are 24 hours per month during summer vacation and 8 hours
per month during the remainder of the year. A total of 144 animal hours
must be achieved per year plus an additional 50 Special Event hours per
year. Each Explorer will be required to make arrangements with a zookeeper
for his/her work schedule throughout the year and follow the zoo's uniform
and dress code.
How much does it cost?
Dues are $30.00 yearly. Explorers must purchase a uniform shirt to wear
when on duty in the Zoo that is available from the Zoo at a cost of $10.00.
What can I expect if I join?
Explorer Trainees will spend 8 hours on consecutive Saturday mornings
for their training and orientation. After orientation, new Explorers must
complete 24 hours of work in zoo maintenance & Zoo Education. Upon
successful completion, they will be assigned to a keeper and or area.
They will work for this area for at least 1 year. They will be eligible
to switch areas the following year.
Is it for me?
Many potential Explorers are attracted to the program because they believe
working at the zoo means playing with the animals. This is not true, as
the animals are wild and no one at the zoo "plays" with the
animals. The truth of the matter is that it requires a great deal of specialized
training to become a keeper and a keeper's day is filled with a lot of
dirty, hard physical labor.
How do I join?
Interested individuals are required to submit a 2-3-paragraph letter
of intent stating why they would like to join the post, what hey have
done in the past, and what they would like to do in the future. They should
also include their name, age, birth date, mailing address and home phone
number as part of the letter of intent. This letter does not mean guaranteed
acceptance to the program. From the list of letters, Potential Explorers
will be notified and required to attend an orientation meeting with their
parent/guardian to learn more about the program. Orientation is held
once each year in the spring. The next scheduled orientation will be in April. **Previous application
and reservations are required to attend this meeting**
LETTERS OF INTENT SHOULD BE SENT TO:
Little Rock Zoo Explorer Post Application
Attn: Mark Shaw
#1 Jonesboro Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Explorer Post #589 may not be for everyone, but for many it is a rewarding
experience. Former Explorers have been accepted into veterinary schools
and many decide to pursue a degree in Zoology, leading to a career in
zoo keeping. Colleges and potential employers look favorably on volunteer
time spent in the area of study you wish to pursue. Join us and find out
whether you belong in the zoo!
If you are interested in attending the next Zoo Explorer Post training
classes and would like to receive information please contact the Zoo by
Phone or Mail:
Phone: (501) 666-2406
Mail: Little Rock Zoo
1 Jonesboro Dr
Little Rock, AR 72205
Or request information via e-mail. Be sure to note that you are requesting
information about Explorer Post #589.
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