Volunteering
There’s often a cliché around becoming a volunteer. That’s it’s for older or retired people, perhaps working in a charity shop or a care home.
But, I think perceptions have changed over the last few years. With the hundreds of different ways people can now share their spare time and passions, people are beginning to see and feel the personal benefits and opportunities of volunteering.
I’ve always felt being a volunteer helps you gain new skills, make friends, develop community spirit and help you feel like you’re part of a team. And so I’ve decided to write my next series of
blogs about volunteering, particularly with CSSC and how this benefits not only society, but the volunteers as well. I’ll be looking at what type of volunteering people do with CSSC and the different events they organise.
CSSC London Zoo Volunteering – 17 August
On a rare sunny day back in August, to celebrate CSSC’s new partnership with London Zoo, ten members of staff took the opportunity to volunteer for ZSL London Zoo.
ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international conservation charity, working every day to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. They are also working on trying to save animals from extinction through their world leading animal research Zoos (London and Whipsnade). They lso work with the border control agency to help stop illegal sales and trading of animals through smuggling and other means.
Monkey Valley is a lush green enclosure for numerous species of Ape and monkey. Because London Zoo go to so much effort to make their animals feel comfortable, the utilise a huge range of diverse plants to meet the different requirements of the individual animals. But because of this, the grounds and enclosures can take a lot of maintenance.
So, with the help of Rob, a member of the horticultural team, our team of ten got to work on tidying up the enclosure. I put on my thick gloves on the warm sunny day ready to attack the weeds and do some gardening. I asked Rob if the monkeys would notice their enclosure looking different to which he laughed and simply replied ‘No’. The team effort soon had visitors walking past the cage wondering how CSSC members were given the rare opportunity of providing hands-on help in one of the world’s most famous zoos.
We were advised to look out for some potentially poisonous plants and after a few stings and slipping down the slope, I was pleased with what we had achieved. Once our task was completed, we had lunch and explored the amazing work the zoo continues to do to conserve animals and the planet . It’s a remarkable place, with beautiful gardens which really help the animals feel safe and secure in the most sustainable and comfortable environment.
Despite being exhausted and receiving quite a few stings, i It was a really fulfilling experience. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the CSSC team and the presentation given from Rob was really interesting and informative. Working as a volunteer gives me a rewarding sense of achievement, helped me get closer to my colleagues and learn more about the important partnership with CSSC and ZSL.
Together with our newest sustainable partner ZSL, we’ll be looking for more volunteering opportunities to help them make a difference to the extraordinary work of ZSL London and their incredible animal community. You can also book reduced price tickets to visit London and Whipsnade Zoos through CSSC membership.
If you are interested in volunteering, I urge you to explore CSSC’s opportunities to find a passion and community that sparks your interest.
