Contact Name:
Dana Sinander (sinander.dana@phillyzoo.org or sinander@early.com)

Address:
3400 W. Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196

Telephone Number:
215-243-5222

Organization Overview:
www.philadelphiazoo.org

Number of volunteers needed:
up to 6

Duties required of the volunteer:
Animal Care & Handling. Interns assist in caring for more than 60 animals in the education collection, primarily reptiles and amphibians. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, and keeping track of the animals medical records. Interns will also learn animal handling skills in preparation for frequent live animal shows.

• Diamondback Terrapin Rescue. Populations of these animals have been declining due to loss of habitat, commercial crab trapping, and being killed by automobiles while in search of a nest site. In conjunction with Richard Stockton College and the Wetlands Institute, the Zoo is raising hatchlings to be returned to their natural habitat, the New Jersey wetlands. Interns care for the animals, maintain water quality, and keep accurate records (the terrapin program is seasonal and may not be in effect year round).

Special skills that will be helpful for a volunteer to have:
Interns must have an interest in animals, and interacting with the guests of the Zoo.  Any past experience with animals, public presentation or performance is helpful, but not necessary.

Typical hours of employment:
The Zoo is open 7 days a week. Hours for interns must take place between 9am and 5pm.

Special circumstances ie. travel, security clearance or background check required:
Volunteers must submit volunteer application signed by parent or guardian, two letters of recommendation (teacher, counselor, coach, etc.), a copy of latest grades, and a paragraph stating why you would like to volunteer at the zoo.

Additional Information:
Volunteers over the age of 18 may be subject to a background check.