The Oregon Zoo is looking for youth and adult volunteers who would like to help out with this summer’s special dinosaur exhibit.

Oregon Zoo photo

One of the animated dinosaurs that will be visiting the zoo during the special exhibit.

The volunteers will work at least one four-hour shift per week as ZooAmbassadors during blockbuster Dinosaurs!

The exhibit, presented by Wells Fargo, opens May 17 and runs through Labor Day. ZooAmbassadors will provide dinosaur information to visitors as they walk through an ancient rain forest surrounded by animated dinosaurs. Duties also include assisting children looking for dinosaur bones at the archaeological dig site.

The ZooAmbassador program is designed to be educational while bringing families together. Anyone 15 or older can volunteer as a ZooAmbassador individually; kids ages 10 to 14 can volunteer with a parent or grandparent.

The zoo is encouraging entire families to volunteer. "Last year several family members volunteered together," commented Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "It's rare for children to be included in these opportunities.

It's a unique way to create lasting family memories."

Oregon Zoo photo

One of the animated dinosaurs that will be visiting the zoo during the special exhibit.

There are many benefits to volunteering. ZooAmbassadors meet people who share similar interests and values; receive free zoo admission and a complimentary train ride; have the opportunity to volunteer at zoo concerts; learn about how to attract local wildlife; and participate in training opportunities only available at the zoo.

Prospective ZooAmbassadors are required to attend an initial orientation session. After attending this overview, those choosing to continue will receive 10 hours of training.

The orientation will be offered on the following days:

Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 15, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

To sign up for the session of your choice, call 503-226-1561, ext. 5397, or e-mail zooambassadors@oregonzoo.org. The deadline to sign up for the first orientation session is March 20.