Animal lovers of all ages can find their calling this spring by volunteering at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. From assisting in the zoo gift shop to teaching kids about animals, there is something for everyone at the zoo.

A Volunteer Opportunity Fair will be held on Tuesday, February 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Franke Park Pond Pavilion. Interested adults and teens can talk with active zoo volunteers, meet some friendly zoo animals, and learn more about volunteer opportunities at this event.

Anyone age 18 and older can apply to be an adult volunteer, and teens ages 13-17 can apply for the Z-Team Teen Volunteer & Leadership Program, a rewarding summer experience specifically geared toward teens.

Applications can be downloaded from www.kidszoo.org or found at the zoo office, which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline for Teen Volunteer Program applicants is March 4, and training for all new adult volunteers will begin on March 19.

“Volunteering at the zoo is a great way to combine a love for animals and people,” explains Molly Andres, the zoo’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s a very rewarding opportunity.” Last year, volunteers contributed more than 24,000 hours to the zoo.

For more information about the Volunteer Opportunity Fair or the zoo’s volunteer programs, contact Molly Andres at 260-427-6828 or e-mail .

The zoo opens for the 2008 season on Saturday, April 19.

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