Hattiesburg Zoo introduces new Junior Volunteer Program

A new program for teens is coming to the Hattiesburg Zoo!

The Junior Volunteer Program is open to ages 13 – 15.

Requirements for the program include:

• Attend one Saturday training session during one of the onboarding months (April, July, and November)
• Commit to a minimum of one full day per month volunteering at the zoo (Tuesday – Sunday from 10AM-4PM)
• Be excited to engage with zoo guests and share your knowledge with a positive attitude
• Follow all zoo safety guidelines and procedures

Junior volunteers will have the chance to serve as a Habitat Host, study animal behavior, and assist staff in monitoring guest/animal interaction.

The next on-boarding session is on April 12th, the deadline to apply is April 4th.

The link to register for the program can be found by clicking HERE.

Volunteers will have the chance to:

• Serve as a Habitat Host, engaging guests with hands-on biofacts, sharing animals’ names and personalities, and emphasizing the importance of conservation at our largest animal habitats.
• Study animal behavior using ethograms, build enrichment for animals to stimulate their natural instincts, and demonstrate animal training techniques to zoo guests
• Assist staff in monitoring guest/animal interactions in contact areas like our Touch Africa Petting Zoo and Wallaby Walkabout