Buttonwood Park Zoological Society

425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, Ma 02740, Usa
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Our missionThe Buttonwood Park Zoological Society (BPZS) is a private, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support the Buttonwood Park Zoo in creating experiences for exploring and enjoying the natural world. The Society supports the Zoo by managing the membership program, running the concessions, producing educational and family events and coordinating fundraising activities. BPZS is also proud to support the Zoo’s educational programming.

Buttonwood Park Zoological Society

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Ways to help

Education Volunteers

Education Volunteers help to teach our guests about the Zoo’s animals and our conservation efforts, as well as facilitate play experiences at the Zoo’s Nature Play area. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and willing to foster a safe and positive environment for our visitors.
  • Occasional, Weekly
  • Teens, 21+, Adults, Child with Adult
  • Individuals, Groups (2-10)
  • Indoor, Outdoor
  • On-site
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends

Veterinary Science Internship

These interns function in two roles: one is shadowing the veterinarian on clinical cases and the other is as an assistant to the Veterinary Technician. When working with the veterinarian, the intern will shadow clinical cases and medicine. This includes weekly rounds, assessment, triage, giving necessary care as directed by the animal care staff, animal transport (if needed), and maintenance of records and databases. When functioning as Assistant to the Veterinary Technician, the intern provides support to the Veterinary Technician. This includes setting up supplies/equipment prior to procedures, maintenance of stock/supplies in the veterinary hospital, clean-up after procedures, cleaning/packing/sterilizing instruments and assistance with sample preparation and related laboratory paperwork. The intern will also spend several days shadowing various nutrition and animal care (keepers) throughout their period at the zoo and be responsible for giving a seminar-style presentation or similar project at the end of their internship.
  • Weekly
  • 21+, Adults
  • Individuals
  • Indoor
  • On-site, Skilled
  • Weekdays, Weekends

Animal Care Volunteer/Intern

Animal Care Volunteers work with animal caretakers in their areas assisting in the daily cleaning and disinfecting, diet preparation and distribution, enrichment activities, data collection, and exhibit maintenance. Please note that direct animal contact is limited and is at the discretion of the Zoo Keeper.
  • Weekly, Monthly
  • Teens, 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Individuals
  • Physical, Indoor, Outdoor
  • On-site
  • Weekdays, Weekends

Event Volunteer

We host many different events throughout the year to raise funds to support our shared mission with the Buttonwood Park Zoo of creating experiences for exploring and enjoying the natural world.The Society supports the zoo by managing family events and coordinating fundraising activities. The success of our events is made possible by the many volunteers who offer their time and talents to our events and society. There are various opportunities for volunteering throughout the year and a range of different volunteers needed. Education, conservation, sustainability, protection, inspiration – all things that can be achieved with YOUR help!
  • Occasional
  • Teens, 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Individuals, Groups (2-10)
  • Physical, Office work, Indoor, Outdoor
  • None, On-site
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends

Horticulture Volunteers

We have added a wide variety of new plants to the Buttonwood Park Zoo landscape in recent years, from our beloved Butterfly Garden to the sweeping field of lilies near the Carousel. With further expansion on the horizon, the Buttonwood Park Zoo hopes to be a must-stop destination for all botanical enthusiasts. To accomplish our goals, we could use some helping hands with green thumbs!If you have a few hours a week (or season) to spare, please call Heather Potter at (508) 991-4556 ext. 117 or email [email protected] look forward to growing our gardens with you!
  • Occasional
  • Teens, 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Individuals, Groups (2-10)
  • Physical, Indoor, Outdoor
  • On-site
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends

Counselor-in-Training

Counselors-in-Training (CIT) are 13 – 17 year old volunteers in our ZooCrew program. The CIT program provides experience in camp programs, public speaking, education, teamwork, and conservation.CIT’s will: Get job experience while earning volunteer service hours, assist the counselors in all aspects of camp, help the Buttonwood Park Zoo achieve its mission of conservation and education, be a representative of Buttonwood Park Zoo and a role model for campers, and help with all day to day operations of ZooCrew.
  • Weekly
  • Teens
  • Individuals, Groups (2-10)
  • Indoor, Outdoor
  • On-site
  • Weekdays
How you helpWe offer a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Zoo. We are equipped to align your passions and skills with meaningful volunteer positions that have an impact!
About usThe Buttonwood Park Zoological Society is a private, nonprofit charity that funds educational programs and family events at Buttonwood Park Zoo. The BPZS is responsible for the operation of the cafe, gift store, train rides, pony rides, memberships, marketing, special events, fund raising and grantwriting at the zoo. All the proceeds from the BPZS's activities are used to support the zoo.
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