New Volunteer Orientation

Conservation Ambassadors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Paso Robles, California that specializes in providing a permanent home for injured, abused, abandoned, or displaced wildlife AND providing hands-on conservation and wildlife education programs to learners of all ages.

 

As a volunteer for Conservation Ambassadors you have many opportunities to help the animals that call the sanctuary home - whether by assisting keepers with their daily care, improving the habitats in which they reside, planning fundraisers that directly benefit them, or becoming a docent who shares their amazing stories with the public. No matter your background or experience, Conservation Ambassadors will provide you with the necessary training to have a successful and rewarding volunteer experience.

 

In order to begin volunteering you will need to attend one of our New Volunteer Orientation sessions. The next is scheduled for Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11th from 9:00-11:00AM. (We chose this day since most people have it off for the holiday). In addition to orientation occurring in the morning, we are also planning on beginning the preparation for our MAJOR holiday event: Wild Lights. It is a great opportunity to start volunteering, meet other volunteers and docents, and begin getting to know some of our animal ambassadors. If you can stay beyond the orientation time, pack a lunch and some snacks and make a day out of it! Here are a few details about orientation:

1. Arrive at the sanctuary on time. We will begin promptly at 9:00AM. Our address is 2445 Adobe Road in Paso Robles. Take Hwy-46 East toward Fresno/Bakersfield and then turn LEFT onto Airport Road. Make a LEFT on Adobe Road and follow it until you see a large wooden sign that says "Club Zoo" surrounded by bamboo. Turn LEFT onto the dirt driveway and park just outside the facility gates. 
2. Upon arrival at the CA/ZTY facilities, you'll meet our docent program supervisors at the picnic tables. They'll hand out a Volunteer Handbook and get started with a bit about the history and mission of the organization. During orientation they'll cover what you can expect from your experience with us, what we expect from our volunteers, as well as provide a brief tour of the sanctuary. 
3. When you complete the orientation (about 1.5-2 hours), and, if you are interested in joining us, we'll have you fill out some paperwork in the Zoo Operations House and then you'll be all set.
4. Wear comfortable clothes, shoes you don't mind getting dirty, sunscreen/hat/sunglasses OR light jacket (depending on the weather forecast), and bring a water bottle and/or snacks if you decide to stay for the day.