By Kirsty Ross
MICHELLE Whelen loves spending her spare time swanning around zoos.
“I have a real passion for animals,” the 28-year-old said.
So it was only natural for this long-time Werribee resident to end up volunteering as a guide at Werribee Open Range Zoo, just three minutes from her K Rd home.
“I wanted something where I could find happiness in making other people from all over the world happy,” she said.
Michelle qualified as a guide late last year, after receiving a Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) membership for a birthday present in 2002.
FOTZ is a voluntary support group for Victoria’s three zoos – in Melbourne, Healesville and Werribee, and offers free entry to two of the three.
It was through FOTZ, that Michelle was able to take part in training to become a guide, which involved an 11-week course and six on-the-job training sessions.
“I didn’t realise we’d be learning as much as we had. We did everything from anatomy to behavior to horticulture,” she said.
Apart from leading guided tours, giving tallks on animals and answering visitors’ questions, guides also present displays on wildlife species or conservation projects.
Michelle makes time for the role in between part-time shifts at Betts shoe store in Werribee Plaza, and caring for her three “babies”- Sampson, Leia and Portia.
Michelle doesn’t have any children, bbut her two St Bernards and cat greet her just as warmly as any child.
“When I come home from the zoo they’re all sniffing and licking me. There must be some kind of scent transfer,” she said.
Werribee Open Range Zoo and Friends of the Zoos are looking for new volunteer guides.
“Volunteer guiding is a great opportunity for people cutting down on full-time work or who otherwise have extra time to contribute towards connecting people with the natural world,” Val Saunders, volunteer guide coordinator, said.
If you want to get involved, attend an information session at Werribee Open Range Zoo on Saturday 8 or 23April from 10am.
For more information call 9285 9325
