2008-2009 Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteer Guide

2008-2009Henry Vilas Zoo Volunteer GuideRevised 11/25/20081

A little note from our staff…The Henry Vilas Zoo would like to personally thank youfor yourdedication and time you are willing to give us. We truly appreciate every minute yougive to us. Without the help from people like you, this zoo would seize to exist.We are confident that this will be a positive and fun experience for you and the Madisoncommunity. If at anytime you feel otherwise or have concerns, please do not hesitate totalk to anyone on the Henry Vilas Zoological Society Staff. We want to make the Zoo’senvironment as welcoming as possible and your input can only make it better. This isyour organization and your zoo!Revised 11/25/20083

***Volunteer Program Mission Statement***The mission of the Vilas Zoo Volunteer Program is to advance and promote thecontinued success of the Henry Vilas Park Zoo by offering to the public; educationsurrounding animals and the importance of protecting biodiversity throughout the world.Also, enhancing a quality recreational experience at the zoo for visitors and helping tofacilitate fundraising activities is essential. In support of this mission, volunteers:• Support and enhance the education and conservation mission of the HenryVilas Zoo through regular participation in on-going educational effortssuch as the EdZOOcation program, the Animal Ambassador program, andother educational initiatives.• Provide direct assistance and accurate information to Zoo visitors.• Increase community awareness of the Henry Vilas Zoo and its educationalopportunities and fund-raising activities through participation in programssuch as fund-raising programs and special events.• Make visitors feel welcomed and accepted.Zoo Mission StatementThe Mission of Henry Vilas Zoo is to join with other zoos to save and protect thewonders of the living natural world and to provide high quality educational andrecreational experiences for over 500,000 visitors annually, giving them an opportunity tolearn about and enjoy animals.Henry Vilas Park Zoological SocietyStatement of PurposeThe purpose of the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society is to promote the Henry VilasZoo. To achieve our purpose, we work in conjunction with the Henry Vilas Zoo to:• Provide Education about the animal world.• Support Conservation of animals and their native habitat.• Enhance quality Recreation and foster community pride.• Acquire animals and create and improve exhibits.• Raise and accept donations to accomplish these endeavors.Revised 11/25/20084

Volunteer GuidelinesVolunteer CentralYou are required to stop in Volunteer Central, located below the Visitor Center, beforeyou start your shift and when you finish. Here you will record your hours, pick up yourbinder and where announcements will be posted. This is your area to keep any personalbelongings. If you have any questions or concerns you are welcome to come into theZoological Society Office which is attached to Volunteer Central.Dress CodeRemember that as a volunteer you are representing the Henry Vilas Zoo. It is importantthat you dress appropriately for your activity. Please wear close toed shoes and nonrevealingclothing. Some activities may require you to wear a uniform while on duty.Use your best judgment.IdentificationMust wear your photo id provided.Sign in and outThere will be a sign in sheet located in Volunteer Central, where you are asked to recordyour hours. Every two weeks there will be a print out summary of the hours put in by allthe volunteers. Please check that to make sure it is correct. These will be kept on fileand available to you anytime upon request.CommitmentThe Zoo staff and visitors rely on volunteers to help provide the best possibleenvironment. There may be specific time requirements for each volunteer program thatwill be explained when you enter that program. When you sign up for a specific shift, weexpect you be on time and there for its entirety.If you are unable to work during your scheduled time, do your best to find a replacementor notify the Society office as soon as possible. A significant number of absenceswithout notification will be grounds for removal from the program.Volunteer Release FormsThe Zoological Society and Dane County Parks have made every effort to assurevolunteer safety; however, some safety hazards may still exist. Volunteers must sign arelease at the time of application.TerminationThe Vilas Park Zoological Society reserves the right to terminate a volunteer. Volunteersare required to follow established policies and procedures. Any disregard for thesepolicies will result in termination from the volunteer program.Revised 11/25/20085

Criminal background checksVolunteers will be asked to sign a waiver allowing the Zoological Society to conduct acriminal background check.One Zoo, One TeamVolunteers are a part of the Henry Vilas Zoo team. Be friendly, courteous and helpful. Ifyou see trash on the grounds, please pick it up. If you see a gate left open, close it. Leadby example.Revised 11/25/20086

What can I do as a volunteer?The Henry Vilas Zoo is committed to making sure that there is a wide range of fun andexciting volunteer opportunities for everyone.Animal Ambassador (educator)Be the teacher! This is one of our most important volunteer services. Thisrequires a more intense training program and thus we ask that you are dedicatedand consistent with volunteer hours. Our Zoological Society staff and zookeepers will train you more specifically on different animals and the Zoo’smission, purpose, vision, goals and values so you become the expert. You willthen share specific information to the general public around the Zoo. If you areinterested in this please email Rick at bilkey@co.dane.wi.us or Pat atgiesfeldt@co.dane.wi.us for more information.Behind the ScenesNot into being a social butterfly? Come help us behind the scenes at ourZoological Society Department offices. This is our non-profit agency where ourmain goal is to collect donation to keep our zoo open for free, 365 days a year.Here you will be assisting our staff around the office with duties such as;processing donations, data entry, assemble mailings and other office related taskson an ongoing basis.EdZOOcationHandle the animals! This is the only volunteer opportunity that involves touchingand handling the animals. The main focus of this program is to educate visitorson our mission of the zoo. Because this is a high skill position it requires moretraining and we ask that you be able to give one day a week. If you are interestedin this please email Rick at bilkey@co.dane.wi.us or Pat atgiesfeldt@co.dane.wi.us for more information.GreeterFriendly? Greet visitors as they enter and exit the Zoo and answer basic questionsthey may have. Also, special groups such as schools come in and you will meet,greet and direct them.Help DeskBe our little birdie! There will be many questions coming from visitors. Most issimple knowledge which will be acquired through our training program. Otherinformation you will be able to look up in our resource binder.Gift ShopHelp in the gift shop with assisting customers and perform basic retail procedures.MiscellaneousRevised 11/25/20087

There will be assignments that will come up randomly throughout the year thatwe do not necessarily fit under the above categories. Things like cleaning,landscaping, photographing, painting or special events are some examples. Youmay choose to be on our ‘on call’ list as these may arise. If you have a specialinterest is not presented above, feel free to inquire within. We are always open tonew suggestions.Playground AttendantEnjoy working with children? We have a beautiful new playground that needs the‘big kids’ to play and supervise. This is a great chance to be outside and act like akid again.Special Events VolunteerHelp with our annual events: Feast with the Beasts, Go Day, Zoo Run Run,Halloween at the Zoo, US Bank Eve and Corporate Nights. We also havefamilies, companies, schools and other parties that may rent our facilities andrequire assistance. Activities include construction, greeting guests, collectingcontributions, selling Society memberships and many others. This is a great wayto come out and interact with Madison’s diverse community.SubstituteBe on call to come in when something comes up, like another volunteer is unableto make their scheduled time. Be trained in the numerous areas so you can fill inor substitute when needed.Tour GuideTake a walk on the wild side! We will train you on the basics of the animalexhibits and the history of the zoo. You will take groups around the premises andexplain the different areas to them. This requires an outgoing, enthusiasticindividual.Soon to come…Train Conductor-Be our very own train conductor! We are in the process of getting a track-lesstrain which will travel around our premises that needs a conductor.Volunteer Management Team Volunteers who have demonstrated acommitment to the Zoo may be asked to accept greater responsibility at thediscretion of the Volunteer Coordinator.Grounds Keepers Assist Zoo Staff in improving and maintaining Zoo groundsand other outdoor projects throughout the year.*All volunteers will be required to go through a short training process that willcover basic information about the zoo and our guidelines and procedures. DuringRevised 11/25/20088

this we will cover a more in-depth explanation of what each job entails. Wecannot guarantee that there will be a volunteer opportunity available in the area ofyour first choice so we ask that you be open to others. We will put you on areserve list and contact you when a position becomes available.Rules and RegulationsWe ask the volunteers to keep an eye out for prohibited activities listed below. If a rule isviolated, please alert staff.• Throwing anything into an animal exhibit, including food• Taunting and teasing the animals• Intentional littering• Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, mopeds, scooters, skateboards• Alcohol consumption• Smoking• Lids and straws• Private cook fires and grilling• Soliciting and propagandizing• Fireworks• Pets (excepts service animals)• Wading and swimming in pools and fountains• Horns and noisemakers• Crossing guard rails and barriers• Removal of live or dead animals or other materials such as eggs, plants, hair,horns, feathers, snake skin or manure.*If a visitor drops an item into an exhibit, please inform someone in the food or giftstands to alert the Zoo staff. A Zoo keeper will retrieve the item. Instruct the visitor toreturn to the exhibit.Animal Endangerment Response PlanRevised 11/25/20089

PolicyIt is the policy of Henry Vilas Zoo to provide a safe environment for its visitors, staff andanimals. The safety of visitors and staff is a first priority. Although it is highly unlikelythat an animal may escape, we still have a plan intact in case an emergency should arise.Dangerous AnimalsAll animals are potential dangerous, the following Henry Vilas Zoo animals can causeserious injury:Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Lion, Tiger, Bear, Rhino, Zebra, Giraffes, Addax, Camel,Bison, OstrichTwo –Part PlanThe animal endangerment response plan is a two-part plan. “CODE BLACK” visitor in animal exhibit. “CODE RED” animal has escaped.There are specific procedures to follow in each instance.CODE BLACK1. Immediately report CODE BLACK to a zookeeper, if a keeper is notimmediately visible, report to the food or gift stands, they have radios to alert theDuty Manager.2. Follow the direction of the duty manager and zookeepers to safeguard staff andvisitors.CODE RED1. Immediately report CODE RED to a zookeeper, if a keeper is not immediatelyvisible, report to the food or gift stands, they have radios to alert the DutyManager. Identify animal location and direction.(Example; “camel has escaped, passing lower concessions stand, heading towardthe tent”)2. Take immediate action to safeguard visitors and staff direct them to the nearestbuilding. Instruct them to:Remain in the building shelter until the PA system gives the ALL-CLEAR.Building shelter capacitiesPrimates – 200 Lower Foods – 50Avairy - 300Upper gifts – 200 Discovery Center – 400Visitor Center – 300Upper foods – 200 Administration – 200Maintenance - 200Shelter OperationInstruct visitors to move quickly and quietly to the rear of the shelter building.Noone leaves until the ALL CLEAR is given by the duty Manager.General Zoo Information (FAQs)Revised 11/25/200810

As a volunteer there may be questions that arise from you or visitors. Below is a list ofgeneral information to assist you with the questions. If there are further questions, pleasefeel free to contact the Zoological Society.Location702 South Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715-1665HoursHenry Vilas Zoo is open year round, 365 days a year.Grounds are open daily from 9:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.Building hours are 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.Exceptions: The Zoo closes at noon on the following holidays, Thanksgiving Day, theday after Thanksgiving, December 24, 25, 31, January 1 & Martin Luther King Jr. Day.Children’s Zoo is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Websitehttp://www.vilaszoo.org________________________________________________________________________AZAThe Henry Vilas Zoo is one of over 200 members of the Association of Zoos andAquariums. AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariumsand accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animalcare, education, wildlife conservation and science.AdmissionAdmission is always free!Animals at the ZooAldabra Tortoise, Alpacas, American Alligators, Badger, Bats, Bison, Birds(exotic &birds of prey) Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears, Bactrian Camels, Capybara,Chimpanzees, Colobus Monkeys, Cotton topped Tamarin, Emus, Fish, Flamingoes,Frogs, Giraffes, Goats, Golden Lion Tamarins, Hedgehogs, Iguana, Insects, Kangaroos,Lemur, Lions(African), Muntjac, Ostrich, Otters, Penguins, Red Panda, Rhea,Rhinoceros, Seals, Sheep, Snakes, Swans (black), Tapir (Mayalan), Turtles, Wallabies.Almost all of the animals in the Zoo come from breeding programs associated with otherZoos.Exceptions include; orphaned young animals, injured animals, problem animals that aretapped instead of destroyed, endangered animals whose numbers are critically low in theworld and extinction is imminent are put into breeding programs in zoos.Revised 11/25/200811

Bus StopThe closest bus stop is located at the corner of South Mills Street and Erin Street. It is the#4 bus. For schedule information check on-line at www.mymetrobus.com or call thetransit line (608) 266-4466.Busy SeasonDuring May, the Zoo frequently has more than 150 school buses arriving at the Zoodaily. Groups are welcome to visit the zoo in the month of May, but be advised that zoofacilities, such as washrooms and picnic areas, will be very crowded.ClassesThe Zoo offers educational programs for children. Have them contact Rick Bilkey, ZooEducation Curator, at 266-5922.ConcessionsThe Concessions stand is open from 9:30am-5:00pm daily, weather permitting, Aprilthrough October. Zoo concessions offer a wide range of great snacks and meal choices atreasonable prices.Complaints or ProblemsVisitors are often concerned with animal behaviors. While sometimes unpleasant towatch, many of these behaviors are normal. However, if a behavior is clearly in need ofattention, contact the Society staff and they will notify the Zoo staff. On weekends,please ask someone in the food or gift stand to contact Zoo staff.Visitors are also concerned about the animals’ exhibits. The Zoo works hard to provideclean, healthy, natural habitats for all our animals, many of which are endangered. Weare always renovating or replacing exhibits to improve the quality of life for the animalsthat live here.DonationsThe Society is always most grateful for financial contributions of any amount. Directvisitors who want to make donations to one of animal donation statues near each entranceor look for the “donor tubes” located throughout the Zoo. They are Zebra-stripped steeltubes approximately 3 feet high.If visitors would like more information on making a financial contribution to the Zoo,direct them to the Society staff or to www.vilaszoo.org.Dropping Items into an ExhibitOccasionally visitors will accidentally drop items (hats, pacifiers, toys, etc.) into exhibitswhere they cannot safely retrieve them. Please inform someone in the food or gift standsto alert the Zoo staff. A Zoo keeper will retrieve the item. Instruct the visitor to returnto the exhibit.Revised 11/25/200812

First AidIf the injury is serious, call 911 immediately. Emergency vehicle should use gate 6, BearGate, on Wingra Drive closest Zoo entrance to St Mary’s. Notify a staff member to alertDuty Manager and make sure some one is assigned to direct the ambulance.General first-aid kits are available in both the Upper and Lower Concessions.Gift ShopThe gift shop is open from 9:30am-5:00pm daily, March through November (weatherpermitting). Zoo apparel, novelties, disposable cameras and other great gifts areavailable for purchase here.Job OpportunitiesHenry Vilas Zoo is an agency of Dane County. So, please visit Dane County's jobwebsite to view any employment opportunities.LockersLockers and storage areas for visitors are not available at this time.Lost and FoundThe Zoo receives many lost items every week. If you lost an item at the Zoo, call 258-9490 to report the item, the date you lost it and your telephone number. A Zoologicalstaff member will call you back if the item is found. After one month, unclaimed itemsare donated to Goodwill.MembershipOne can apply online or call the Zoological Society at 258-9490. Members receive ourquarterly newsletter, a 10% discount at the gift shop, advance notice and discounts onsummer Zoo School classes, and reciprocity admission many Zoos nationwide.OwnersThe Zoo is owned and operated by Dane County, with additional funding from the city ofMadison and the Zoological Society.ParkingParking, including buses, on Zoo grounds is free. There are public parking lots located atthe corner of South Randall Avenue and Drake Street; at the corner of Vilas Park Driveand South Orchard Street; and on Vilas Park Drive across from the Vilas Beach Shelter.PetsFor the health and safety of all the Zoo's animals, the Zoo does not allow any outsideanimals into the Zoo, except for certified service animals.Revised 11/25/200813

ReservationA reservation is not necessary to visit the Zoo. We are a free Zoo. If a school groupwould like an education program, a reservation is required, please call: 608 266-4732.RentalsOne may rent the large tent in the center of the Zoo for events such as; family reunions,birthdays, anniversaries or picnics. Catering is available through Zoo Concessions or ourapproved on-grounds caterer, Kitchen Hearth.Utilizing the tent to do fundraising for organizations other than the Zoo is not permitted.SizeHenry Vilas Zoo is a medium sized Zoo on approximately 30 acres.Scheduling an Educational programContact the Zoo's Education Department at 608 266-5922. There is a suggested donationof $1 per child.Strollers and WheelchairsStrollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Gift Shop. The cost is $4 per day.You must also leave a driver's license, which you will get back upon returning the strolleror wheelchair.Special EventsSee the special events flyer, which lists dates, times and specifics.Tiles and Benches- Tiles and benches are available for purchase. Please have interestedpersons contact the Zoological Society at 608-258-9490.VolunteeringCall the Society office at 258-9490 or apply online.Zoological SocietyThe Zoological Society, formed in 1914, is the fundraising organization for our free Zoo.The Zoological Society is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit entity. Donations tothe Zoological Society are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Zoological Societyis governed by a Board of Directors, and all Zoological Society efforts are undertaken toraise funds and promote the Henry Vilas Zoo.Revised 11/25/200814

A Brief HistoryThe Henry Vilas Park Zoological SocietyThe Madison Zoological and Aquarium Society began in 1914 as a group of zoodevotees who loved animal life. The group created an organization with a mission toenlarge the zoo, exhibit animals under favorable conditions, foster zoological research,and increase public interest in animals. Local Madison residents made generouscontributions to the Zoological Society. In 1915, the Society oversaw the creation of aBird House with funds donated by Mrs. William Vilas, and in 1917 the building of theLion House with funds donated by Dr. Charles Vilas.The Society reorganized in 1926 as the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society witha volunteer Board of Directors to pursue fund raising through membership contributions,donations and special events. During the next decade the Society raised funds to createthe Primate House in 1929 with matching city funds. With the help of the WorksProgress Administration, the Society built Monkey Island, the bear dens and several othercage-type enclosures in the 1930s.The next large building period began in 1961 with construction of the new CamelBarn. The Society became a not-for-profit corporation in 1964 and soon raised enoughfunds to support a concerted building program. In the 1970s, the Society helped fund theLion House moat, construction of the elephant/rhino complex, and matched funds withthe County to build the giraffe addition, otter exhibit, seal area, and renovate the bearexhibit. In addition, the Society made it possible to purchase many animals.Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Society continued its progress in improvingconditions for animal housing. The second phase of the bear exhibit remodeling wascompleted and the reptile exhibit opened in 1983. Transition of Zoo ownership from theCity of Madison to Dane County was completed in 1993. The Society, in partnershipwith Dane County and the City of Madison continued to support major improvementswith the new penguin exhibit opening in 1985 and the Discovery Center and Herpetariumopening to the public in 1992.In 1993, the Society worked with Dane County to develop ReZOOvenation, amassive project to renovate the oldest section of the zoo including the primates, big cats,and birds. To meet its challenge to fund 50% of this $11 million project, the Societyconducted two successful capital campaigns in 1993 and 1998 as well as a variety of fundraising programs. In addition, the Society contributed funds from annual fund raisingevents including the Zoo Benefit, Feast with the Beasts and Halloween at the Zoo. Thefinal phase of that plan, the Tropical Forest Aviary, opened in June of 2003.Today, the Society continues to be governed by a board of 21 volunteers. Underthe direction of the board, a small staff and hundreds of Society members and volunteerscarry out the functions of membership, special events volunteers and other fund-raisingactivities.Add more…..Revised 11/25/200815

The work of the Society depends on generous contributions from thousands of localresidents and businesses as well as the support of the people of Dane County and the Cityof Madison. Since 1911 people have cared enough about wildlife conservation,education and community recreation to keep Henry Vilas Zoo a quality zoo. The Societyremains dedicated to its supportive role and is pleased to be a leader in ensuring a brightfuture for the Henry Vilas Zoo.Day to day operations of Vilas Zoo is funded with 80% from Dane County and 20% fromthe City of Madison. Fundraising for capitol projects such as the Tropical Forest Aviaryare joint efforts, with 3.2 million dollars of the 4.2 million dollar project coming fromfundraising.Revised 11/25/200816

HENRY VILASZOO HISTORYIn 1904 two of Madison’s leading citizens, Colonel William F. and Anna M. Vilas gave$18,000 to purchase a large tract of land along the shores of Lake Wingra for use as apublic park. Their donation was made in memory of their deceased son Henry with asingle condition under which Henry Vilas Park would remain admission free. HenryVilas Zoo began in 1911 with a donation of five whitetail deer; it has continued todevelop as a free zoo ever since.• 1904 Madison Parks & Pleasure drive Association accepted $18,000 from Col. &Mrs. William Vilas to purchase parkland.• 1911 Five White Tail deer were donated by T.C. Richmond and Exhibited.• 1912 Primate cages and bear dens were constructed. Camel barn moved to zoo.• 1914 Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society was founded.• 1915 Bird & aquarium house (present visitor center) was built with funds donated byMrs. Anna Vilas.• 1917 Lion house was built with $15,500 donated by Dr. Charles Vilas. Bear/caninedens were completed at their present site.• 1919 ‘Monkey island’ built. The first one built in America.• 1925 Fountain located in park above zoo office finished.• 1930 Primate house and concession stand completed. The Park and Pleasure DriveAssociation gave control of the zoo to the City of Madison Parks Department.• 1930’s Tapir shelter constructed from old school house bricks.• 1934 Replacement Monkey Island built.• 1938 Black bear exhibit built with help from WPA.• 1938 Sheep mountain finished.• 1961 New camel barn built.Revised 11/25/200817

• 1964 Log houses for hoofed stock built. U.W. primate center constructed. Lionhouse remodeled.• 1968 Zoo administration building finished.• 1972 Children’s zoo opened to the public.• 1973 Outdoor big cat exhibit finished.• 1974 Elephant/rhino complex completed.• 1976 Giraffe addition to the camel building finished.• 1977 Otter exhibit opened.• 1978 Canine dens remodeled into bear exhibit.• 1979 Seal exhibit opened.• 1980 Children’s zoo expanded.• 1981 Bear dens remodeled.• 1983 Rainforest exhibit built in old lion house.• 1983 Ownership of Zoo transferred from City of Madison to Dane County.• 1986 Penguin exhibit opened.• 1988 Children’s zoo concession center opened.• 1989 Mountain goat exhibit completed.• 1993 Discovery center/Herpetarium opened.• 1994 Eagle flight cages completed.• 1995 Great Ape/Primate building opened.• 1997 Big Cat exhibit, new gift shop and upper concessions opened• 1998 U.W. Primate exhibit removed.• 2000 New Visitor Center & Society offices completed.Revised 11/25/200818

• 2001 Sheep mountain removed, new Rhino Exhibit and Flamingo winter quarterscompleted. Frame Zoo tent with asphalt floor added for picnic rentals• 2002 New Tapir Exhibit opened. Society establishes endowment fund• 2003 Tropical Rain Forest Aviary opened. Giraffe yard expanded.• 2004 Significant exhibit capitol maintenance projects, (ie- roofs, boilers, furnaces)• 2005 North American Prairie Exhibit and other anticipated major renovations.• 2005 Zoo Century Campaign beginsRevised 11/25/200819

DirectoryAddressHenry Vilas Zoo702 South Randall AvenueMadison, WI 53715Websitewww.vilaszoo.orgZoological Society StaffTBA, Executive DirectorBrent Walter, Visitor Services DirectorAnna Reynolds, Communications ManagerChristina Ahlansberg, Special Events CoordinatorAnn De Tienne, Intern- Volunteer CoordinatorZoo StaffJim Hubing, Zoo DirectorJeff Stafford, Zoo CuratorRick Bilkey, Education CuratorDr. Mike Petersen, Zoo VeterinarianBrian Wilson, MaintenanceGeneral Phone Numbers and EmailZoological Society Office, Volunteer Centraland Visitor Center258-9490 or258-1460Zoological Society Fax 258-1490Zoological Society General Emailvilaszoosociety@sbcglobal.netZoo Education Department 266-5922Zoo’s General Emailzoo@co.dane.wi.usConcessionsPhone Number 257-1709E-mailhvzconcessions@sbcglobal.netRevised 11/25/200820