National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for organisations to recognise the important role that volunteers play in many aspects of the local community. It’s a way to say thank you to all volunteers across various organisations and associations in the region, including the zoo.

The zoo has over 100 volunteers and over 50 Youth at the Zoo (YATZ) who play an important role fulfilling a wide variety of functions from guiding the early morning walk experience through to observing animal behaviour and creating enrichment items for animals, to testing water quality and assisting with school holiday programs and overnight experiences.

Volunteers are a valuable asset for any organisation and the zoo recognises and thanks its volunteers for their ongoing support, dedication and commitment to conservation and the environment.

“Their contribution is enormous, we couldn’t do the great things we do here at the Zoo without them,”  director Steve Hinks said.

“Volunteers have been a part of the Zoo team for over three decades, we are so thankful for the contribution they make to the Zoo and their local community,” Steve said.

Find out more about volunteering at the Zoo as either an adult or youth volunteer at www.taronga.org.au/volunteer.

Green turtle released  back into habitat

Taronga Wildlife Hospital Veterinary staff released a rehabilitated Green Turtle this week, on Tuesday May 8, off the coast of Manly. The Turtle was fitted with a satellite tracker prior to release.

Stephanie was brought in by a member of the community from Port Stephens after she was found washed up on the sand immobile and covered in barnacles.

Being very lethargic and underweight, Taronga Wildlife Hospital treated her for a suspected infection upon arrival.