Sedgwick County Zoo would like to recognize Gerry Kasperek and Blake Little with the 2010 Volunteer of the Year award. “We love our volunteers,” said Volunteer Director Bridget Landers. “Every day I’m impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm to work together to make the Zoo the best it can be.”

Gerry Kasperek, Sedgwick County Zoo 2010 Adult Volunteer of the Year is always fun to be around with his positive attitude. Gerry has volunteered in the Jungle Bird department since 2009. During his 338 hours of service he has shown an outstanding willingness to do anything the keepers ask of him. He has always shown up ready to work as scheduled and has even gotten his wife Teri involved in volunteering as well. Gerry is truly an ambassador for the Zoo as he volunteers in other organizations in Wichita spreading his Zoo knowledge along the way. Gerry even completed additional volunteer training far above and beyond what was required of him. He also donates time by volunteering with the Ape Awareness group and at various special events throughout the year.

Blake Little, the 2010 Teen Volunteer of the Year for Sedgwick County Zoo, is passionate about his volunteer work. He first started volunteering in teen programs during the summers of 2008 and 2009 before becoming a regular volunteer in the African Veldt in 2010. Donating 1,726 hours of service, he has taken a lead role in helping the new teen volunteers learn routines and even take on projects like deep cleaning the elephant pool, all while being a full time student. Blake takes advantage of every opportunity to spend time at the Zoo. He is truly an asset to the Zoo as he volunteers not only in the Veldt, but also during many of the special events.

In 2010 Sedgwick County Zoo had the privilege of working with a total of 1,002 volunteers who donated 43,150.52 hours, saving the Zoo a total of $549,737.62. “You can understand how valuable our volunteers are to us” said Landers “they really do help us accomplish more than we could ever do on our own.” Thanks to you, our volunteers, for what you do to help make the Zoo the No. 1 outdoor, family tourist attraction in Kansas.

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Barb Hoppins a 30-year Zoo volunteer presented Mark C. Reed, Executive Director at Sedgwick County Zoo with a check during the Volunteer Appreciation Reception at the Zoo on April 16, 2009. The check represents the dollars saved due to work of many volunteers. In 2008 Sedgwick County Zoo volunteers graciously gave more than 36,700 hours which equals approximately $367,819.30.

“Words cannot express how thankful we are for our volunteers” said Reed, “without them we wouldn’t be able to provide the quality guest experience that many have come to expect.”

Barb Hoppins is one of more than 870 volunteers who donate time at the Zoo on a regular basis. Barb has volunteered in almost every area of the Zoo including Education, Chimpanzoo and Special Events.
 

Become a Zoo ambassador! Do you love animals? Do you want to share your passion with others? Become part of the Sedgwick County Zoo Docent Program. Docents are trained education volunteers who help with all aspects of Zoo education. As a docent you will work with education animals, assist with a variety of education activities and meet others who share your interests.

To find out more about this exciting program, please contact the Education Department at 266-8213.