The joy of parents and children seeing their favorite animals live is a constant feeling when visiting the Skopje Zoo. Regardless of the day or weather, when it is cold or unbearably hot, as it was on Sunday in late July. The Skopje Zoo, where employees are trying to raise it to a higher level, has been “richer” since last month with the help of about 50 local volunteers who signed up through Volunteer Center Skopje in order to combine their love for animals with the need to volunteer to contribute to a better community.

The volunteers can be recognized at the Skopje Zoo, because they are dressed in distinctive white T-shirts. Out of 50 volunteers, 10 of them come per shift. Since sometimes the weather is too hot, fewer volunteers come. They work mostly during the summer on weekends, and have two shifts, from 9 am to 2 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Volunteers work in different areas, but their tasks are similar. They are helping visitors and zookeepers by feeding the animals, giving information, watching if people don’t break the rules, and participating in events that are sometimes happening at the zoo. 

On a hot Sunday, four volunteers worked in the first shift. Two young girls and a mother with a daughter. One of the volunteers was just beginning her adventure at the zoo and was thrilled to work with the animals she loves so much, and to help the visitors and zookeepers. “I want to be useful and make a good impact through my work, so I believe that volunteering gives you that opportunity,” she said. Another reason is that volunteering allows them to grow and become more experienced through various activities, which in the future will be useful to them. A mother and her daughter worked at the mini zoo, feeding the animals and guiding visitors around. Volunteering can be for everyone, no matter what age you are. They were enthusiastic about their work, and a smile never left their faces. This place was brimming with joyful energy, and you could see children all around enjoying the little creatures. 

The zookeepers also shared their impressions of this place. They care a lot about animals and want to educate people about them. Help from volunteers is very needed because there is a lot of work to do. Employees are happy to share their knowledge and experience; you can learn a lot from them. Especially for animal lovers, this is an amazing opportunity. Sometimes they do some actions and one of them was to prepare frozen fruits for animals, which was a great idea for these hot days. 

The Skopje Zoo is located in Gradski Park. There are about 495 animals, 96 species. This place was founded in 1926, and it was much smaller. But it’s been growing and improving ever since. There is a lot to see; it will take you some time to go around, but it’s worth it. Giraffes, elephants, lemurs, or the smallest monkey in the world. It’s amazing to see these kinds of animals live. 

This place is filled with love and is an example of how we can change society for the better and contribute to a healthier environment through our own actions. 

Aleksandra Szumielewicz