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.

All of these trainings are available as refreshers at any point upon request.

• Online
  • Volunteer Software Basics (5-10min)
  • Volunteer Orientation (1-2hrs)
  • Wildlife Champion Basics (40-50min)
  • Interpretation/Empathy Zoom w/ HVZ Education Specialist (1hr)
• In-Person
  • 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.