Wildlife Champions (WC) are the conservation educators of the Zoo! Stationed outside animal enclosures, they teach guests about our animals, conservation and the environment. They also provide valuable interpretation during important animal transitions, health procedures and specialized trainings.
Responsibilities
Use engaging body language, open-ended questions and age-appropriate vocabular to connect with guests about animals, conservation and zoos
Teach guests about conservation actions they can take to care for wildlife and the environment
Interpret during important animal transitions such as: births, health procedures, moves, specialized trainings, etc.
Wildlife Champions utilize the entire Zoo to talk about animals. This role requires going through doors, over curbs and up/down hills. WC's regularly start conversations with guests that can range on a variety of topics depending on the animal, day and audience. It requires volunteers to be able to read body language, gauge interest and tailor presentations to audiences depending on age and background. This role also requires a lot of reading - as WC's are asked to become familiar with our individual animals, general facts, and overall conservation messaging.
This role may not be suited for individuals who thrive better in direct instruction type of environments.While we do sometimes have biofacts (skulls, furs, etc.) to use, volunteers most often talk with guests using only the animals and exhibits in front of them as visual aids.
At least 14 years of age to volunteer independently; 10-13 with a parent/guardian
Able to start a conversation with a stranger without prompt
Able to gauge time, understand social cues and pick up on changing crowd dynamics
Able to sit and/or stand for 2-2.5hrs at a time
Comfortable starting conversations with strangers
Enthusiastic about animals and/or conservation education
*A background in education, biology, public speaking, childcare, or forward-facing healthcare positions are all plusses, but are not required.
**Those with foreign language backgrounds highly encouraged to apply. Especially Spanish! We get multiple Spanish-speaking guests each season - individual families and/or Spanish-English school groups.
Volunteers commit to a weekly shift the same day of each week. Shifts are 9:30AM-12PM/12-2PM any day of the week.
Wildlife Champions also have the option of attending a bi-monthly meeting to work on their interpretation skills and to socialize and learn from staff and other Wildlife Champion volunteers.
9hrs/mo: Wildlife Champions commit to a weekly shift from the time they begin through September
Wildlife Champions are the most busy May through Labor Day. Wildlife Champions who complete a season with us will have the option to pick up shifts as they'd like September through December. They also have the option of starting their year in early April the following year.
Onsite orientation (1hr) – Meet other Wildlife Champions, take a short tour of the Zoo, meet HVZ support staff, get an introduction to interpretation basics
First day shadowing/practice (Worked in as part of your shift)
(Optional) Bi-monthly Wildlife Champion meetings (1hr) - Connect with other WC's, get valuable tips/tricks/feedback about interpretation techniques, practice interpreting with other WC's and HVZ staff
Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather. While we remain open, we trust our volunteers to decide whether or not they would like to come in. Wildlife Champions always have the option to interpret under covered areas/indoors.
The volunteer is in charge of scheduling a make-up shift in the event they choose to stay home due to weather. In the event of truly inclement weather, we will call volunteers to cancel. In this case, volunteers do not need to make up their cancelled shift.
Wildlife Champion App
"I really enjoy getting to interact with guests and learn more about our amazing animals. It's so wonderful and I look forward to my shifts every week."
Michelle Tjader, Wildlife Champion and just one of the kindest people we've ever met
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.
