Volunteer Stories: Caroline

What is your role?

I am an Engagement Volunteer at Edinburgh Zoo. I help people to have a great day out by engaging with the public, taking family photos, advising best viewing spots and answering questions about the zoo. I give advice on how to navigate the zoo, where the nearest facilities are, what is a good route based on which animals have been more active that day, which animals the rangers and keepers will be giving talks on, any shows or special events that are happening and any little titbits about the animals, for example if we have any babies around.

For me, a huge part is to engage with the public and drop in bits about conservation - what all we at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) are currently, or have previously participated in, and I love telling them some of the success stories!

What led you to start volunteering?

In 2022, I was experiencing an annis horriblis on a large scale. Sitting flicking through Facebook, I saw that RZSS, specifically Edinburgh Zoo, we're opening their volunteering programme post-Covid. I have always been a customer-focused people person, and have a huge love of animals. This seemed an ideal opportunity...it was written in the stars!

What attracted you to the heritage and/or conservation sector?

I have always loved animals, particularly wild animals. I hate that through no fault of theirs, life is more than a little challenging for them. I strongly feel that we have caused a lot of their problems and we should try to do something to help them out now. Volunteering at the zoo allows me to help a little, with the added bonus that I get to see some of these animals, and because they are in the zoo and I can speak to keepers etc, I get to learn a lot about them. Knowledge which I then get the chance to share.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

I was in a very dark spot. Being given the opportunity to volunteer at the zoo has been the greatest 'pick me up' with the bonus I can give back a little and that makes me feel even better. All the staff at the zoo are amazing, friendly and supportive and I feel I have made a lot of friends with them and with my fellow volunteers. 

Anything else you'd like to add?

I feel that I have been the winner in this relationship, as seeing any return (someone engaging and developing a love for animals) is a win too!