Families have flocked from across NSW and interstate this festive period to visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
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The zoo’s Giraffes in Focus was a particular favourite, with the Boxing Day feeding experience selling out quickly that morning.
Mark Setterfield has been a volunteer at the zoo for about six months, and said that was a “fantastic experience” in and of itself.
“Just to see all the wonderful, happy faces on everyone coming out here, and enjoying the lovely surrounds that Taronga Western Plains Zoo provides for everyone,” he said.
Christmas is a time for family, and that’s no different for the zoo’s volunteers and staff who feel right at home welcoming visitors to the popular attraction.
“Oh, it absolutely does [feel like you’re with family],” said Jenny Tanner, who has been a volunteer for two years.
“I’m actually here with part of my family: this is my wife!” Mr Setterfield remarked, throwing his arm around wife and fellow volunteer Mel.
“But we’re our own little volunteering family when we get together,” Mel said of the volunteers.
“Which is lovely.”
Jenny Tanner also volunteered on Christmas Eve and said the chance to meet lots of different people was one of the reasons she kept coming back.
“It’s the different experience I think,” she said.
“And I think being here and knowing what the zoo’s all about: conservation. We love it.”
“You spend time with the animals and get to know the animals,” Mrs Setterfield said.
“And get away from the kids!” Mr Setterfield joked.
“It’s interesting to see where people are from,” Mrs Setterfield added.
“We’ve had people this [Boxing Day] morning that are from South Australia and Brisbane coming through.
“And that last couple that just went through, he came here last year and then he’s brought his mum back, because he loved it so much, just to do the experiences!”
All three braved Wednesday’s 38 degree temperatures, but insisted the heat was nothing.
“This isn’t that hot!” Mr Setterfield said.
“There’s a nice breeze, so it’s good,” Mrs Setterfield added. “As long as we can help out.”
Visit https://taronga.org.au/get-involved/volunteers to learn more about volunteering at the Dubbo zoo.
