Taronga Zoo on the lookout for an extra 90 volunteers to help with centenary celebrations

TO help celebrate Taronga Zoo’s centenary, an extra 90 volunteers are needed.

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HERE is your chance to be part of Taronga Zoo’s centenary celebrations.

The zoo has put the call out for an extra 90 volunteers, who are needed to ­assist with special birthday events throughout the year.

The volunteers, who will be part of the guest experience team, will also guide visitors around the Mosman site, conduct historical walks and tours of the floral clock, which the zoo is redoing for the centenary.

The zoo is a Sydney institution.

The zoo’s manager of ­interpretation and site ­experience, Mel Wyatt, said volunteers would only be needed for about one day a week — but the benefits would be long lasting.

“It’s an institution and one of the most amazing places on earth to work,” she told the Mosman Daily.

“Our volunteers are really the face of the zoo for our guests.”

She said the volunteers will play a crucial role in helping spread the zoo’s conservation message — protection of 10 legacy species over the next 100 years, including the platypus and bilby.

The new recruits will join about 1000 volunteers currently working across Mosman and Dubbo zoo sites.

Mr Maynard has been a familiar face at the zoo for almost two decades. He is pictured here with zoo keeper Paul Hare and discovery officer Gillian Markham. Picture: David Swift

Mosman resident Ian Maynard signed up as a volunteer 18 years ago after taking an early retirement.

“I’ve always liked animals and people so it was a sensible thing for me,” he said.

“Our main aim as volunteers is to make the visitor’s day as nice as possible.”

Mr Maynard said meeting people from all over the world was one of the highlights of the job, especially as he was able to show them unique Australian wildlife.

He said being cheerful and friendly were essential ­attributes for volunteering.

To sign up as a volunteer, visit taronga.org.au

Taronga Zoo turns 100 this year. Picture: Annika Enderborg

PARTY TIME

■ Taronga Zoo’s 100th birthday will be celebrated on October 7

■ A party will be held to celebrate the occasion, with the public able to win tickets through an online ballot

■ Other events include a walk from Dubbo to Sydney