GLAZA celebrated National Volunteer Week this past April, recognizing our amazing docents and volunteers and their innumerable contributions to the L.A. Zoo. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our volunteers for their invaluable and lasting impact on the L.A. Zoo and its many visitors.
During calendar year 2024, some 680 dedicated volunteers contributed 61,371 hours of their time and talents to the Zoo, helping on grounds, behind the scenes, and in the community. Volunteer efforts reached over 591,100 community members, including 579,182 encounters with visitors to the Zoo. Additionally, volunteers provided special Zoo tours for school groups and others, reaching 5,991 individuals, and made special needs outreach visits and virtual field trips to bring the Zoo to 6,644 individuals unable to visit in person.聽
The seeds of this mighty volunteer program were first sown in 1965 when GLAZA created the nation鈥檚 first zoo docent program, which was accredited by UCLA Extension鈥檚 Biology Department in 1975. In addition to our amazing docents, the program has grown to include research volunteers, student volunteers, special needs outreach volunteers, and behind-the-scenes volunteers who support animal care with animal nutrition preparation and enrichment.
Our volunteer program also welcomes community and corporate partners who donated 954 hours to the Zoo last year, helping to create animal enrichment items and tending Bonnie鈥檚 Edible Garden that grows delicious enrichment treats for our animal residents. We are tremendously grateful for the support of community businesses and foundations. Last year, the Norris Foundation provided a new Honda Odyssey van for our outreach efforts and the California Credit Union sponsored the volunteer program鈥檚 training and recognition activities.聽聽
This dynamic volunteer program continues to evolve and grow to meet the changing needs of the Zoo and the community. In 2024, we onboarded 134 new volunteers, including 28 docents, 47 primate and hoofstock specialists, 59 general volunteers, and 7 research volunteers. When asked what brought them to the Zoo, volunteers often say the animals or the opportunity to share their love of the Zoo with visitors.聽聽
Our volunteers are dedicated to the Zoo for the long term. We are recognizing several people this year for giving more than 50 years of service, and we boast an average retention rate of 12 years per volunteer. When asked what keeps them coming back year after year, our volunteers cite the camaraderie they enjoy with one another and the deep appreciation they receive from the staff for their support.聽聽
The next time you visit the Zoo and see a volunteer out on grounds, please offer them a hearty 鈥渢hank you鈥� for their valuable service and their positive and lasting impact on our visitors鈥� Zoo experience.
