Help Bring the El Paso Zoo to Life

by Rick LoBello, Education Programs Manager

The El Paso Zoo is one of the most remarkable places in our region. There is truly nothing else like it for hundreds of miles.  Right here on the border, you can experience wildlife from around the world in a single visit. From the rainforests of Southeast Asia to the savannas of Africa and the mountains, deserts, and forests of North and South America, the zoo gives us an opportunity to connect with animals that many people would otherwise never have the chance to see.  Unfortunately, it’s also easy to take the zoo for granted. We shouldn’t.

Many of the animals that call the El Paso Zoo home represent species facing serious challenges in the wild. Some are endangered. Others are critically endangered. They are here for a reason—not simply to entertain us, but to inspire us to care about the future of wildlife and to encourage us to become part of the solution.

We cannot bring back the species we’ve already lost. We’ll never again see a woolly mammoth or many of the incredible animals that disappeared during the Ice Age. Once a species becomes extinct, it is gone forever.  But we still have the opportunity to help save the animals that remain.  The key is education.

When people learn about wildlife, they begin to appreciate it. When they appreciate it, they begin to care. And when people care, they become willing to take action to protect the natural world. That’s why I believe exhibit hosting is one of the most important volunteer opportunities at the El Paso Zoo.

Imagine This…Imagine visiting the zoo and, no matter where you go, someone is there to answer your questions, point out an animal you might have missed, explain an interesting behavior, or tell you why that species is important.  That’s my dream.  I hope the day comes when visitors can’t walk through the zoo without meeting friendly exhibit hosts who are helping bring every animal’s story to life.

Our zookeepers do an outstanding job caring for the animals, but they are busy with the daily responsibilities of animal care. We also need passionate volunteers outside at the exhibits, connecting with our guests and helping them better understand the amazing animals they are seeing.

There’s an Animal Waiting for You.  The opportunities are almost endless.  Maybe you’d like to introduce visitors to the playful meerkats.  Perhaps you’d enjoy talking about giraffes, zebras, or African lions. You might choose to spend your time with orangutans, Malayan tapirs, rhinos, or tigers in the Asia section. Or maybe your passion is sharing the stories of jaguars, pronghorn, giant tortoises, penguins, or one of the many other fascinating animals that call the zoo home. Whatever your interests, there’s probably an exhibit that’s a perfect fit for you.

Becoming an Exhibit Host Is Easier Than You Think

The first step is becoming an official zoo volunteer. Simply contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Toni Lopez, complete the volunteer application and interview process, and let her know that your primary interest is exhibit hosting.  Once you’re approved, you’ll work directly with me.  We’ll focus on one animal at a time. You’ll choose the species that interests you most, and together we’ll help you learn the information you need to feel comfortable talking with visitors.

Then you simply choose the days that work for your schedule and spend time at your exhibit greeting guests, answering questions, helping families locate the animals, and sharing fun facts and conservation messages.  You don’t need to know everything. You just need enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help others connect with wildlife.

You’ll Be Helping Wildlife—and Yourself

Exhibit hosting isn’t just good for the zoo.  It’s good for you.  You’ll spend time outdoors breathing fresh air instead of sitting inside.  You’ll enjoy being surrounded by nature. You’ll get exercise while walking the zoo.  You’ll meet wonderful people who share your interests.  You’ll make new friends.  You’ll become part of something much bigger than yourself.

Many volunteers tell us they leave each shift feeling happier, more energized, and inspired. Helping others discover wildlife has a remarkable way of enriching your own life.

Can You Help?

If you’ve ever wished there was something meaningful you could do for wildlife, this is your opportunity.  A few hours of your time can help inspire hundreds of visitors. You might even help create the next conservationist, veterinarian, wildlife biologist, or park ranger simply by sharing your enthusiasm with a child who stops to ask a question.

If exhibit hosting isn’t something you can do right now, please consider sharing this article with a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who might be interested.  Together, we can build a team of exhibit hosts who help every visitor leave the El Paso Zoo with a deeper appreciation for wildlife and a stronger commitment to protecting our planet.

If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you. I’m happy to talk by phone, meet with you in person, or schedule a virtual conversation. I hope you’ll join us in helping tell the stories of the amazing animals that call the El Paso Zoo home.  Together, we can make every zoo visit more meaningful—for our guests, for our community, and most importantly, for wildlife.