Trunkline Magazine (Louisville Zoo) December 2018 | Page 26

VOLUNTEERS
Louisville Zoo’s Volunteer
Appreciation and Recognition
Dinner was held Sunday, August
12, 2018. It was a special evening
with over 650 volunteers, family
and friends in attendance. Each
year, two major awards are given
out thanking those volunteers
who went above and beyond: the
Jonathan Michael Heaton Award for
outstanding youth volunteer and
the Spirit Award for outstanding
adult volunteer.
Jonathan Michael
Heaton Award
Jacob Brady
Jacob is always eager to help and
to share what he learns with other
volunteers. From preparing diets
and enrichment fun for the animals,
to thoroughly cleaning exhibits or
helping at the giraffe feeding sta-
tion, Jacob’s participation is always
appreciated by our Zoo keepers.
When he completes his tasks for the
day in the elephant exhibit, he often
checks in with the giraffe depart-
ment staff to offer additional as-
sistance. Jacob was recently named
the Louisville Zoo Youth Board’s
President, working with a group of
young teens dedicated to support-
ing the Zoo’s mission. He began
volunteering in May of 2016 and
has provided over 1,500 volunteer
hours so far!
Diane Taylor Spirit Award
Susan E. (Beth) Allen
Beth Allen is a long-standing
volunteer in Gorilla Forest, the
first volunteer permitted after
the exhibit opened. She has also
volunteered in Glacier Run. Zoo
keepers frequently comment on
her positive, upbeat disposition.
There is no task too small for
hardworking Beth, who searches
out and takes care of tasks
wherever she is needed. Her
passion for the Zoo, staff and
animals is evident — putting in
extra hours when it gets busy and
always asking for updates on how
the keepers and their animals are
doing. The Zoo is proud to have
Beth as a volunteer!
David Bonham
David is a favorite among giraffe
area keeper staff. He comes in
every Saturday, rain or shine, with
a smile on his face, a broom in one
hand, a shovel in the other and
boots tall enough to wade into the
deepest mud. He not only takes
care of his responsibilities, but
he takes care of the staff as well
— bringing treats for them and
their pets at home. His advice, life
experience and anecdotes contrib-
ute to some treasured discussions
throughout the day.
(Left to right) Beth Allen & Diane Taylor
Diane Taylor & David Bonham
Jacob Andrew Brady & John Walczak
Volunteer Thanks
Thanks to those who volunteered during Brew at the Zoo & Wine
Too; DuPont Manual Key Club for volunteering their time assisting
with kid’s activities during Flutter Fest; and to all those individu-
als, and members of groups and organizations who volunteered
their precious gift of time during the Zoo’s “World’s Largest Hal-
loween Party!” presented by Meijer. 1,400 volunteers contributed
9,175 hours making it possible to delight over 75,000 princesses
and superheroes.
Special thanks to UPS and Humana employees who assisted with
set-up for our Halloween Party. UPS also assisted with breakdown
and provided volunteers over four of the Party evenings.
You are truly the BEST!
26 • Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Winter 2018