ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden Needs Volunteers

By Amy Landers

Albuquerque, NM - The ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden are seeking adult volunteers to teach about animals and plants from around the world. An orientation for potential volunteers will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 7, at the ABQ BioPark Zoo’s Colores Education Building. (No admission is required to attend this orientation.)

Volunteers do not need a background in science or teaching, they simply need an interest in animals, marine life, plants and gardening. After training is completed, volunteer teachers lead tours, teach about animals and plants on exhibit, travel to schools in Albuquerque and around New Mexico, and provide other hands-on educational activities to BioPark guests. All information necessary to be a volunteer teacher will be taught over the course of 12 Saturdays, from August to January.

All BioPark Education programs focus on conservation, and the BioPark’s volunteer teachers have the opportunity to directly aid endangered and threatened species. Scientists estimate that anywhere from 100 to 10,000 species become extinct each year. Because people are more likely to help protect animals they understand and care about, volunteer teachers are vital to the protection of endangered species.

Volunteer teachers also get the inside scoop on new exhibits, such as the Botanic Garden’s future Insectarium, meet new people with shared interests, get free regular admission to the BioPark facilities and gain continuing education throughout their volunteer experience.

For additional information or a complete job description, please visit www.cabq.gov/biopark or call BioPark Education at (505) 764-6214.

The ABQ BioPark is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for all, through education, recreation, conservation and research, by providing a comprehensive environmental park including the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach and Zoo. The BioPark is an accessible facility and a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department. Contact us at 311 locally or 505-768-2000 (Relay NM or 711).

Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Zoo or Aquarium/Garden admission is $7 for adults and $3 for seniors (65+) and children (3-12). Same day combo admission to all BioPark facilities is $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and children. Tingley Beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. Become a member of the New Mexico BioPark Society to help support the BioPark and enjoy benefits including unlimited general admission to all BioPark facilities and discounts to many special events.

The ABQ BioPark is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. AZA-accredited facilities are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for guests and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

The ABQ BioPark is a member of the American Public Gardens Association . APGA serves and strengthens its 500 member gardens by supporting and promoting their work and achievements in horticultural display, education, research and plant conservation.

To view Albuquerque Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-44-Albuquerque_Aquarium