KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Knoxville Zoo is looking for some special people who would like to volunteer their time and talents to the zoo’s mission of education, conservation and recreation.  Prospective zoo volunteers can learn more about the variety of ways they can get involved with Knoxville Zoo at the Volunteer Open House on Saturday, July 11 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the zoo’s main entrance.                                                                                                          

Zoo volunteers are actively involved with many areas of the zoo, from animal behavior studies to special events.  Volunteers also provide a great deal of support to the zoo’s education department, helping with summer camp and educational outreach programs as well as assisting with visitor education throughout the zoo. 

“If you’ve ever considered doing volunteer work, Knoxville Zoo is an amazing place to get involved with,” says Kevin Hils, the zoo’s director of education.  “If you enjoy talking to people from every walk of life and have a passion for serving the animals of our planet, then we encourage you to come talk to other members of our volunteer staff and see if this is the place for you.”                                                                                                                             

Zoo volunteers and staff will be on hand at the Volunteer Open House to answer questions and provide details about the zoo’s volunteer program.  People interested in volunteering can also contact Kevin Hils directly at (865) 637-5331, ext. 325 or by email at khils@knoxville-zoo.org.  

Zoo volunteers are required to work a minimum of 50 hours per year and attend seven monthly meetings annually.  The sign-up cost for zoo members is $75 for training materials, name tag and shirts.  For non-members, the cost is $125 and includes the zoo membership fee.

Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 865.637.5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org