March 29, 2024

Volunteers of the Yr Introduced

Norm Desrosiers (left) and Michael Musick (proper) are our 2022 Volunteers of the 12 months. (Brevard Zoo Graphic)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo would not be what it is without the volunteers, and they are usually hunting for strategies to demonstrate them how considerably they appreciate their help.

Brevard Zoo not too long ago held their annual Volunteer Appreciation Meal, in which their amazing volunteers had been thanked for their provider with foods, refreshments, awards, unique movies and far more.

It is with warm hearts that we congratulate the 2022 Volunteers of the 12 months, Michael Musick and Norm Desrosiers!

Each year, Brevard Zoo chooses 1 or two volunteers to be recognized for their superb support primarily based on recommendations from Zoo employees and other volunteers.

Soon after combing as a result of several endorsements, they finalized 8 nominees for the award. From that pool, the winners were being selected!

Michael Musick moved to Florida back again in 2010 and bought a Brevard Zoo membership following visiting. He fell in love with the Zoo and started conversing to volunteers on his visits to see how he could get involved. Just just before he retired, Michael put in his software! He has now been a Zoo volunteer for four many years and serves as a Day Captain. In this position, he oversees the other volunteers on duty. “I love remaining a Day Captain since I get to stroll the entire Zoo and talk to guests!”

Michael has donated above 2,800 hours of his time to the Zoo. He is passionate about animals and what our Zoo does to promote instruction and conservation. Michael is regarded by other volunteers for his willingness to assistance wherever required, often adding shifts as necessary and lending a serving to hand.

Norm Desrosiers commenced traveling to the Zoo when he was energetic-duty Air Power and was stationed at Patrick Air Power Base. All of his everyday living, Norm took treatment of animals like horses and chickens, noting, “wildlife is for me.” He started volunteering in Paws On at the “touch tank” for close to a yr right before switching to upkeep. Certainly, you study that ideal. Norm donates his time to maintenance assignments all over the facility. He even has his own radio quantity to be recognized!

He has worked with our routine maintenance department for four a long time now, showing up at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for his change (and incorporating in more times as essential). His beloved elements of volunteering are doing work on specific tasks with routine maintenance employees and obtaining a exceptional perspective of the Zoo! “When I get a call, which is the place I go,” stated Norm. He will before long commit most of his time in Expedition Africa working on some exciting upcoming renovations with the relaxation of the servicing team. So significantly, Norm has donated around 3,200 hours to the Zoo!

Michael and Norm are just two examples of the remarkable volunteers who devote their time to Brevard Zoo. Our volunteers make it achievable for Brevard Zoo to fulfill their essential mission perform in the regions of animal wellness, conservation and schooling.

In overall, Brevard Zoo volunteers donated 110,954 hours of their time to the Zoo in 2022. Their perseverance saved the Zoo $1.5 million bucks last 12 months, equating to 48 full-time personnel!

If you are fascinated in turning out to be a Brevard Zoo volunteer, you can find out extra below. Make sure you take note that we do not nevertheless have our subsequent instruction session scheduled, but it will probably happen in the fall.