The Detroit Zoological Society recruits volunteers each spring and fall to help the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo during the peak April-October season. There will be new orientation dates in December for 2011. 

The zoo seeks volunteer docents, gallery guides, Ford Education Center assistants, special events help, staff aides, gardeners and more.

The orientation process is three steps: A general overview; a session on emergency preparedness, the zoo's educational goals and volunteer policies; and an informal individual interview to help place the volunteer. There is also paperwork and a background check involved.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and they do not come in direct contact with the animals. 

For more on zoo volunteer opportunities, visit http://detroitzoo.org