Applications for Henry the Lion/Handler will open on February 1, 2026 and close April 30, 2026. The application process may include in person or Zoom interviews. Interested volunteers should be prepared to read their favorite kids story as a pair.
Role Summary
If you’re a pair of enthusiastic people who enjoy being goofy and making kids smile, then Henry and Handler is for you! As a team you'll be greeting families and reading conservation-themed animal stories to entering guests. The Handler will read the story with vim and vigor, while Henry acts and reacts. Between story times, your team will be offering high-fives to kids, waving at our guests, and participating in many a photo-op. Henry volunteers may be called upon to attend a variety of special events – both on and off grounds.
Responsibilities
*Henry /Handler shifts may take place on or off site.
Henry
Act out stories alongside your Handler
Greet guests at the Zoo gates
Pose for photos
Handler
Read stories to kids alongside Henry
Interpret Henry's actions (he can't talk!)
Congratulate kids who interact with Henry - it can be intimidating getting that close to a lion!
Assist your partner in navigating a variety of terrains and guest interactions
Henry and his Handler move over all manner of terrain both on and offsite. Henry wears several pieces of costuming, while the Handler wears a vest and hat.
Because Henry has no peripheral vision and cannot talk, he must have his Handler with him at all times to assist with interpretation and guidance. Henry is always within easy walking distance to behind-the-scenes access in the event he needs a break. Offsite opportunities also come with a guaranteed changing/storage area, and an onsite contact for the event.
*It gets very hot inside the Henry costumeregardless of outside temperature. The Henry part of this role may not be suited for those with sensitivity to heat. Volunteers in this role should feel comfortable with close proximity to guests - and should expect that unexpected hugs can come with the territory.
**Please note: although Henry is often seen standing, we are more than happy to have a lounging lion in a chair/wheelchair when needed.
All volunteers commit to a series of online training modules that walk them through an orientation and any skills/knowledge needed for their specific role. All online training is completed before the first shift.
All volunteers also commit to one onsite training set up specifically for their starting role.
Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather. In the event of inclement weather or high temperatures, we will move Henry Story Time indoors.
We will cancel offsite Henry/Handler shifts if there is no shelter or indoor option in the event of precipitation or temperatures warmer than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is one of our roles that gives volunteers the opportunity to bring Henry out into the community for special events. Special event Henry requests come from businesses, community organizations, schools, etc. for public events. We do NOT fill requests for private events off grounds (i.e. house parties, birthday celebrations, weddings, etc.).
Henry volunteers are not required to participate in off-site events. However, those who are interested can expect the following:
The Volunteer Coordinator will be in charge of connecting the event coordinator with the Henry/Handling team. This will include making sure the H/H team has: contact information, parking, a private staging/storage area, and a very clear set of expectations for both volunteers and the event coordinator.
Volunteers will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the event.
Volunteers will be in charge of transporting the Henry/Handler costumes to and from the event.
Examples of past events with Henry have included: Brat Fest, Capitols hockey game, ribbon cutting with the Madison mayor, the holiday tree lighting at the Capitol and many others!
Mascoting is an experience all of its own. TYou will definitely experience the awkwardness of physically smiling in photos (despite no one being able to see your face). You get kids asking to touch your paw, boop your nose and pet your mane.
Henry is a gentle, and sometimes shy, lion and does not:
Hold babies
Take photos himself (paws & cameras don't mix)
Engage in gymnastics of any kind. Feet on the floor for this lion.
The costume itself can get quite warm. We take several precautions to protect our Henrys from overheating:
Henry costume time is limited to 1hr max
Cooling vests and neck fans are provided
All Henry/Handler locations have shaded and/or indoor areas
All Henry/Handler locations have a private break area away from guests in the event Henry needs a cooldown
Henry does not come out in weather that is warmer than 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Henrying can be hard work, but the little kids smiling is so rewarding. It's an experience like no other.
Henry/Handler App
"We enjoyed Henry Storytime so much! Those children that are brave enough to greet Henry find they can't tear themselves away!"
Linda Esser & Anna Suchomel, and sometimes Erin Esser, Three wonderful generations of Henrys and Handlers
Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Feeding
See our herd like never before in the memorable up-close encounter. This popular activity is a unique way to meet our reticulated giraffe herd and learn more about their unique adaptations.
Educational Encounters
Educational Encounters
The new giraffe pavilion will include new spaces that will allow us to expand our popular education programs. Interactive interpretive signs will ensure all guests have the opportunity to learn more about our work and ways to help protect animals in the wild.
Indoor Herd Room
Indoor Herd Room
The Herd Room will be the largest indoor animal space at the Zoo, welcoming guests year-round. Visitors will get an up-close view of how our animal care team takes care of these majestic animals.
African Birds and Other Mammals
African Birds and Other Mammals
The Edge of Africa: Giraffe will give Henry Vilas Zoo the opportunity to introduce new species to the public. Animals like the critically endangered Rüppell’s griffon vulture, which is vital to Africa’s ecology, and Marabou stork with an impressive wing span that can be over 9 feet wide!
A Unique Event Space
A Unique Event Space
The Giraffe Pavilion event patio will be one of the most unique settings for events in Madison. Designed for small events for up to 200 people, this space has also been designed with accessibility in mind.
Advanced Animal Care
Advanced Animal Care
Designed with healthcare in mind, our design includes a working barn that will showcase how our animal care team works with our animals to have them voluntarily participate in their own healthcare. A moving wall will allow our veterinary team to perform wellness checks, get weights, trim hooves, and even get blood draws and administer vaccines to our giraffe herd.
Pavilion Entry
Pavilion Entry
Set to be the largest construction project the Zoo has ever undertaken; the Giraffe Pavilion will champion a whole new generation of conservationists and bring Henry Vilas Zoo into the forefront of zoos in the U.S.
Exterior Herd Room
Exterior Herd Room
Designed with sustainability in mind, our new giraffe building will incorporate rainwater reuse, low-carbon concrete, require minimal fossil fuel use and utilize Dane County off-site renewables.
Aerial View of Interior
Aerial View of Interior
Guests will be welcomed into our working barn, where we will have space to share conservation stories and invite people to get up close with our giraffe herd year-round.
Indoor Herd Room
Indoor Herd Room
The indoor herd room will provide almost triple the amount of space as our old building and incorporate a large garage door to let in natural light.
Stall View
Stall View
In addition to the herd room, the giraffe pavilion will feature individual stalls that will allow our animal care team to provide world-class healthcare for our giraffe herd. Utilizing the newest advancements in giraffe care, this state-of-the-art facility will offer safe spaces for our veterinary team to provide care and comfort.
Giraffe Feeding Platform
Giraffe Feeding Platform
Our new feeding platform will bring guests face-to-face with the tallest mammals on Earth! Puzzle feeders and animal enrichment activities will allow guests to learn more about the unique adaptations of these animals.
