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 costume regardless 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.

• A team of 2 with where at least one partner is 18+
• Able to lift at least 20lbs
• Able to sit/stand 1-1.5hrs at a time
• Able to focus on one thing at a time
• Very comfortable working around many people
• Able to communicate positively and clearly
• Enjoys acting, miming, improv, and working with kids and the challenges they bring
• Optional: Able to travel to offsite mascot opportunities (see Offsite Henry-ing)

Volunteers commit to a weekly shift on Friday, Saturday or Monday mornings, 9-11AM between May and September.

In addition to weekly onsite story times, Henry/Handler pairs occasionally participate in on or off site event opportunities (see Offsite Henry-ing)

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.