The petting zoo is run entirely by volunteers. Some have been working here for decades. New volunteers join us regularly, but in recent years we have been short of people. If you would like to support us in a practical way, become a volunteer. This can be done in various ways, always in consultation. There are many possibilities, so that your work matches what you can do and what you like:
Weekly shift
During the week, a permanent team of volunteers works at the petting zoo. These people come one, two, sometimes three days a week to take care of the animals and welcome visitors. The work is from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon. During that time, you feed the animals, clean their enclosures and make sure that visitors (children and adults) feel welcome. You work in a permanent group of people.
Weekend team
In the weekend team, volunteers work who come less often. Once, twice, sometimes more times a month. The work is otherwise the same as for the week team. In principle, you work in a changing group of people, although there are also volunteer couples who work together on their days.
Thematic group
The three theme groups (animal group, party group and construction group) could all use some reinforcement, especially the party group and the construction group. As a member of the party group, you help out for a weekend three times a year. The construction group is active all year round, more so in the summer than in the winter. The group meets in consultation to tackle jobs together. You can also do smaller repairs on your own. For the animal group, you need demonstrable knowledge of animal care or veterinary medicine.
Own permanent task
There are also volunteers who adopt one job. For example, we have a beekeeper who takes care of the bees and someone who regularly takes extra care of the donkeys. Also think of: gardening, refurbishing old games, designing and making new games, managing the playground… People who regularly organize new activities for children, in addition to the three regular parties, are also very welcome.
Help out every now and then
People who come to help occasionally are also more than welcome, especially around the three holidays a year. An extra pair of hands to sweep the squares, for example, is always nice.
Contact/VOG
If you would like to come and work at De Buiktuin, please contact Anita de Vries, vriesde-a2012@live.nl or visit the petting zoo. To become a volunteer, you need a Certificate of Conduct. This is not necessary if you only help occasionally.