ANIMAL lovers are being given a chance to lend a helping hand at the Curraghs Wildlife Park in Ballaugh.
A volunteer scheme has been launched and there will be a variety of roles available.
Community, Culture and Leisure and Minister David Cretney MHK 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 include 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 preparing and distributing food, providing "behavioural enrichment items", sweeping and hosing and hauling manure.
To become a volunteer people must first join the Friends of the Wildlife Park and complete the relevant application process.
Mr Cretney 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 Mr Cretney clear the Spider Monkey Island, joined the Friends on Graham's retirement.
Pat said: "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 details about becoming a volunteer pick up a leaflet at the Wildlife Park, public libraries, charity centres or online on the park's website www.gov.im/wildlife
David Cretney MHK joins Wildlife Park general manager Nick Pinder and volunteer Pat Harvey clearing Spider Monkey Island
