Lauren Has a Wild Time Volunteering
Volunteer Week runs from 1st - 7th June annually, recognising the valuable contribution made by volunteers throughout the UK. At Drusillas Park there is a team of 76 volunteers who give up their time for the benefit of our animals and visitors. They help inform the public and raise awareness about conservation and the natural world.
Seventeen year old, Lauren Amos from Crowborough became a volunteer in February 2013 to gain animal based experience to benefit her studies at Plumpton College. As part of her role, she helps raise awareness and oversees the zoo’s popular walkthrough enclosures, in addition to answering any questions the public may have. We asked her a few questions regarding her role at the zoo:
Why did you become a volunteer at Drusillas?
“I've wanted to work in a zoo since doing keeper for a day when I was fourteen. I visited Drusillas many times as a child and it is the closest zoo to me which offered a volunteer opportunity within a zoo environment. The scheme sounded so exciting and I thought it would also be useful for my course.”
“As a volunteer we talk to visitors about the animals and oversee visitor interaction in Lemurland, Lory Landing and the bats and sloths. During weekends and school holidays we also get to spend time in the Discovery Centre, teaching the public about the illegal trade of animals, which threatens the long term survival of many species.”
What is your favourite part of volunteering?
“Volunteering has been incredibly beneficial to me as it has improved my confidence so much. My favourite part of volunteering is being able to teach people about the animals, as well as getting to know the individual animals themselves. I've met some amazing people and made so many friends.”
