Detroit Zoo Celebrates 30 Years Of Volunteer Service

For Ellen Gruskin of Oak Park, Evelyn Silverman of Southfield, and Gini Sutherland of Birmingham, the Detroit Zoo is not just a place to volunteer; it is their passion. The three women were part of the Zoo's first docent class of 1977 and for 30 years they have been actively educating thousands of visitors about the Zoo's animals and habitats.

"There were three hundred applicants for thirty available docent positions that first year and I was thrilled to be chosen," recalls Gruskin. "Little did I know I'd be embarking on an adventure that would captivate me for so many years." Born and raised in the Detroit area, Gruskin loved the Zoo as a child and still treasures her original red Zoo Key.

Silverman's interest in the Zoo's docent program was peaked when she spotted an article in the newspaper. "I thought I'd enjoy being outdoors, learning new things, and communicating with diverse groups of people," she says. Silverman enjoyed it so much, she recruited her sister and several friends into the docent program.

For Sutherland, the best part about being a Zoo docent is the interesting people she's met and the close relationships she's developed over the past 30 years. "I have been educated by others every time I come out, and hope I have done the same as well."

Last year, 948 volunteers and docents contributed over 78,000 hours of service to the Detroit Zoo, representing $1.5 million in support. "Volunteering at the Zoo is a perfect way to meet new people who share a love of animals, build new skills and experience, learn about this regional cultural gem and all the animals it houses, and help the Zoo fulfill its mission of 'Celebrating and Saving Wildlife'," says the Zoo's Volunteer Services Manager Linda Denomme.

The Detroit Zoo begins the recruitment and training of summer volunteers early to ensure that they are in place for the busy season. The next orientation session for volunteers will take place on Saturday, March 17, 9:30 a.m., at the Zoo's Ford Education Center. A new docent training class also will be offered this spring.

The Zoo is looking for enthusiastic, friendly and passionate volunteers to lend a hand in the following areas:

"¢ Arctic Ring of Life -- Volunteers field questions about the seal and polar bear residents of the Zoo, share the animals' rescue stories, and help organize the flow of visitors through the Polar Passage as they enjoy an overhead view of swimming polar bears and seals.

"¢ Australian Outback Adventure -- Volunteers assist with the flow of traffic and answer visitors' questions as they walk along a pathway through the kangaroo habitat.

"¢ Gallery Guides -- Volunteers greet and educate visitors as they enter the Butterfly Garden and the Art Gallery located inside the award-winning Wildlife Interpretive Gallery.

"¢ Special Events -- Volunteers assist the Zoo in facilitating its various events, from Bunnyville in April through Zoo Boo in October and all Wild Winter weekends.

"¢ Zoo Ambassadors -- Volunteers greet and welcome visitors as they enter the Zoo, helping them find facilities and attractions and sharing the news of the day regarding special events and activities.

Many perks come with being a Zoo volunteer, including free admission to the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo, free parking, an annual volunteer appreciation party, discounts for Zoo gift shop and concession stand purchases, discounts on Zoo memberships, and opportunities to attend conferences and all-volunteer trips for continuing education. -- www.detroitzoo.org