The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has launched a volunteer scheme at the Curraghs Wildlife Park. Hon. David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said, “The Curraghs Wildlife Park is a popular attraction and over the years many people have asked about getting involved with the Park and its animals. Through the Friends of the Wildlife Park, I am delighted that we can now put in place a scheme that allows volunteers to make important contributions to the Park, whilst complementing the work done by Park staff. Of course, it’s not just the Park that will benefit. Volunteers will learn much more about all the animals at the Park, meet new people and enjoy an enriching opportunity. Ultimately though, visitors will be the major beneficiaries, enjoying a better experience every time they come to the Park.” Potential volunteer jobs involve: assisting with the Young Friends’ meetings and activities, Animal Encounter presentations, Ranger volunteers and assisting in the grounds and gardens and with construction projects. There are also a limited number of volunteer keeper roles. Following an interview and completion of a training programme, keeper volunteers will assist with caring for and enriching the lives of the animals. Tasks may include diet preparation and distribution, providing behavioural enrichment items, sweeping and hosing, hauling manure, or other tasks essential to the health of the animals. To become a volunteer, people must first join the Friends of the Wildlife Park and complete the relevant application process. The Minister added, “The Friends are an important part of life at the Park and contribute in many ways such as maintaining the grounds, raising funds for new enclosures, constructing boardwalks, contributing to wildlife conservation projects overseas and educating the general visitors or Young Friends about animals. Their hard work over the years is greatly appreciated by everyone at the Park and I thank them for their dedication.” Graham and Pat Harvey, two volunteers who helped the Minister clear the Spider Monkey Island, joined the Friends on Graham’s retirement. Pat explained, “We brought our children and are now bringing the grandchildren on visits to the Wildlife Park which they have all thoroughly enjoyed and volunteering seemed like a good way to put something back and to help the Wildlife Park.” Graham said, “It really is enjoyable working outdoors in the Park, achieving improvements for the animals and visitors and I particularly enjoy working with corporate volunteer parties on their Make a Difference Days. On one of these days, we recently re-built part of the Nature Trail, cleared the Grivet Monkey Island and the Lemur Enclosure. We achieved so much in a day and volunteering is all about making a difference.” For anyone interested in becoming an active volunteer at the Curraghs Wildlife Park, leaflets are available at the Wildlife Park, public libraries, charity centres and online on the Park’s website www.gov.im/wildlife. Keep up with all the latest news from the Curraghs Wildlife Park on the Facebook page “Curraghs Wildlife Park”. ENDS