A Thank You to Our Volunteers!

Published April 22, 2024

Wonders of Wildlife is home to 35,000 live animals, showcasing 800 species and 1.5 million gallons of water. It takes a village to ensure our animals, and our guests, are taken care of. In light of Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 21-27), we are highlighting a few of the volunteers who dedicate their time to service at the aquarium!

Volunteer Spotlight

Greg Parker, Volunteer Guest Engagement Guide

Volunteer Since: 2022

Why did you choose to volunteer at WOW? 

“A couple reasons. To help promote conservation and try to get kids excited about getting outside, also being a barber all my life, I missed visiting with people.” 

What is your favorite guest interaction memory?

“I have been lucky enough to get to mentor some of the WOLF school kids. Watching them overcome their fear of talking to people and then having fun teaching people about different national parks is so rewarding. They are really great kids! I am very blessed to get this opportunity to interact with these 5^th graders. So rewarding!”

Beverly Zieres, Volunteer Guest Engagement Guide 

Volunteer Since: 2017

Why did you choose to volunteer at WOW? 

“I have always volunteered. I spent 29 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. A friend had started with the first group of volunteers in September of 2017, and she encouraged me to try it.” 

What is your favorite guest interaction memory? 

“I was telling a young boy about the stingrays and the way their teeth wear down and are constantly being replaced. He said, ‘Oh! Like infinity teeth!”. I said, “Yes, just like that.” I use that example with guests all the time.”

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Assisting with everything from animal diet prep, guest relations, tank diving, cleaning, and feeding, our volunteers are an essential part of Wonders of Wildlife. If you happen to see Beverly, Greg, or any of our other amazing volunteers at Wonders of Wildlife, be sure to say hello and thank them for the work they do! If you are interested in volunteering with us, you can learn more HERE!