Zoo recognizes summer volunteers

After dedicating two months to the Gladys Porter Zoo, 46 summer volunteers on Friday were recognized for their help.

“This is something that’s going to help them in the future,” said the zoo’s Education Curator Sergio Garcia.

For approximately 20 years, the Summer Teen Program has been giving teens between the eighth and 12th grades the opportunity to learn more about animals.

“They’re doing things here you wouldn’t even expect them to do at home,” Garcia said.

The volunteers shadow keepers and help clean and care for the animals.

“One time we were cleaning out a squirrel cage, when she flew out. It took a lot to get her back inside,” said 16-year-old Alex Sanchez.

Sanchez has volunteered at the zoo for the past two summers, but her friend, Natalie Lauber, has devoted the past five years.

“When I was younger, I remember making my grandmother bring me to the zoo,” the 16-year old said. “It’s always fun here.”

Those interested in the program must go through an application process.

Once accepted, volunteers are expected to work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. two days out of the week for two months in five different departments — Australia, Birds, Education, Herpetarium and Small World.

Bird’s keeper Ruben Gracia said the volunteers are a lot of help and that he notices how observant they tend to be.

“They come here at the perfect season (mating season in his department) and want to know about everything,” Gracia said.

“Some of them don’t like it and leave — but those that do, like it a lot,” he added.