ASHEBORO, NC - For those looking for something more than New Year's resolutions of diet and exercise this year, consider reshaping your life by becoming a volunteer at the North Carolina Zoo.

The zoo is seeking individuals willing to make a minimum 90-hour per-year commitment serving as exhibit interpreters, wildlife rehabilitators, Zoo hosts, retail assistants, gardeners, giraffe-deck operators and more.

Volunteers serve the Zoo in a variety of ways through sharing their knowledge, skills and talents. Last year, Zoo volunteers, unpaid interns and service groups served nearly 38,000 hours.

The typical volunteer season is April-October, although some positions are year-round. For a detailed listing of job descriptions, time commitments, required skills and more, visit the Zoo's website at www.nczoo.org/volunteer. Just complete the online application to be notified of upcoming training dates.

Volunteers are the heart of many organizations, and the N.C. Zoo is no exception. Volunteers are an integral part of what makes the Zoo a wonderful place to visit.

To learn more about one-day opportunities for service groups, churches, businesses, clubs, fraternities, sororities, ball teams and others, contact the Zoo's Volunteer Coordinator Toy Jarrett at 336.879.7712 or at toy.jarrett@nczoo.org.

Experience the Zoo in a way like never before; volunteer.

The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dee A. Freeman, Secretary; Beverly E. Perdue, Governor.

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