Call for some animal magic

Staff at the popular Castle Hill attraction say National Volunteers Week, which runs until Friday, is an opportunity for people to take a look at the important role of its helpers.

Chief executive Peter Suddock, said: "We want volunteers to assist with important work in educating our visitors and in providing them with an interesting and enjoyable day out.

"Volunteers are given training to enable them to staff the Discovery Centre and provide hands-on activities for the public, plus be involved in our very popular creature features where people get the chance to meet some of the department's tame live animals.

"Dudley Zoo's volunteers are very valued members of our team and we are on the lookout for more recruits to join this exciting project," he said.

He also added that the zoo was looking for people aged 18 or above who could spend time as a volunteer helping out on a regular basis.

Duties are public education and activity focused and do not involve helping out with the site's main animal collection.

Tasks do, however, also include animal care alongside visitor centre and castle sessions.

Sedgley woman, Amy Hickman, who clocked up 250 sessions as a Dudley Zoo volunteer has recently secured a part-time role with the zoo crew.

Amy, who completed three years at the Castle Hill site, now lends a hand with birthday parties, Junior Keeper for a Day and Discovery Centre sessions.

She said: "I always look forward to my days at the zoo. It's varied, interesting and fun."

Anyone interested should send a written application, giving a brief outline of their previous background and stating their reasons for wanting to become a volunteer, to: David Riley, Education Department, DZG, 2 The Broadway, Dudley DY1 4QB.

Successful applicants will then be invited for an interview and selected volunteers consequently taken on for a minimum one-month trial.