Oregon Zoo's Kid's Zone

The Volunteer Enrichment Team
Who are they?
What do they do?

The keepers of animals need a group of people to help them with enrichment. That's when the volunteer enrichment team comes in. They re-use old buckets, make paper Mache piñatas, haul ice from ice rinks, use donated carwash strips, grow mint, rosemary, carrots and other plants in the zoo that are safe for animals to eat. They pick blackberries from around the zoo and give them to the animals. The enrichment team not only stimulates animals by giving them fun toys, they also recycle cardboard, paper rolls, boxes, and many other things by giving them to the animals.

The Volunteer enrichment team consists of many caring volunteers, who have gone through zoo guide trainings. The team meets in various places around the zoo, usually the enrichment room (by the elephants trunk), the bear grotto (the gated area near the sun bears exhibit), and the band shell (the big doors near the stage). Here, the volunteer's paint, paper Mache, build, and plan their creations, making works of art that also educates the public.

Team members are required to take some Safety Precautions while making and giving enrichment. All enrichment must be checked in with the keeper to make sure it is okay and safe for the animals to eat/rip/ destroy. Here is some Common Enrichment that the enrichment team gives to animals-

Ice treats
Freeze treats
Jell-O-jigglers
Piñatas

Overall, the enrichment team stimulates animals, educates the people, and recycles items. When you visit the Oregon Zoo, try and spot some enrichment the team has put out. How many items can you find?