once orientation was completed, I signed up for my first of three (3 hour) different sessions…

the first session consisted of a tour of the zoo with a more senior volunteer and two other newbies… everyone we met was so helpful and provided us with lots of information…

I hadn’t been to the zoo for a while so it was a lovely refresher… the zoo is a very busy place…

and I left with my volunteer t-shirt;-)…

the next session was with a mentor, usually one-on-one, but it ended up with two newbies with our mentor… they know so much about all the goings on at the zoo, and were happy to share with us…

part of our training included time at the McFeeter’s Heavy Horse Centre… we got to watch the new Shire horses, Willow and Willy, move from the barn to the paddock…

I must say, by the end of our three hour shift, my feet were a tad sore, lol…

my last and final session was at The Leaf… the first half was touring the space and learning a few new things… one exciting thing was getting to walk out on the second floor balcony that overlooks the Tropical Biome…

it is reserved for those who rent the various spaces on that floor… and, that the floor on that level is sprinkled with the glass from the old Conservatory;-)…

then we practised in three different areas…

I learned that there are a few places between the zoo and The Leaf that have to have someone in attendance at all times…

so, if no volunteers are available, a staff member has to take over… it is clear that volunteers save time so staff members can focus on their important work…

I have now finished my first two shifts as a bonafide Volunteer Ambassador…

say hi if you spot me… most likely at The Leaf for now…