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li ~~l. <br /> yY <br /> V, <br /> 4~+ <br /> FRIENDS OF THE PANA'EWA ZOO <br /> A Non-Profit Organization <br /> May 14, 2007 <br /> <br /> To: Hawaii County Council <br /> From: Jean A. Curtis <br /> Re: Zoo Recreation Director <br /> I would like to ask for your support and approval of a new position of Recreation <br /> Director (Education Specialist) for the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens which is <br /> included in the administration's proposed budget. This person would be in charge of <br /> recruiting, training, and maintaining docents; developing educational materials for <br /> teachers as well as the public; would create, maintain and update signage; work to <br /> implement ADA improvements; help with educational classes and events; and help <br /> provide safety, security, and visitor information around the zoo by being another staff <br /> presence in the zoo. He or she might also coordinate school and community volunteer <br /> projects around the zoo and re-establish an outreach program to schools and <br /> community groups. <br /> The zoo is a beautiful and valuable county facility. It has become an important <br /> educational and recreational resource for our students and families. It is used by many <br /> residents on a regular basis: families with young children, caretakers of handicapped <br /> persons, and preschools visit frequently. Tours by schools on this island as well as <br /> other islands come to the zoo in increasing numbers. Our estimated attendance at the <br /> zoo was around 172,000 for the last fiscal year. Docents guided tours for 2,273 <br /> students from 50 different schools, and many more schools visited without requesting a <br /> guided tour. <br /> The zoo also provides opportunities for our youth to gain experience working with <br /> animals and the public. High school and college students help with our weekly petting <br /> zoo. College students have worked with or observed various animals as part of their <br /> curriculum. One has just graduated and is going on to veterinary school. Many other <br /> volunteers help in animal enrichment, our gift shop, and special events. Some of our <br /> docents enjoy doing "walk-abouts" in the zoo talking to visitors and answering <br /> <br /> questions. We have built an information booth to use near the entrance to greet visitors <br /> and provide information, but we need more volunteers to staff it. <br /> Post Office Box 738 Kea'au, Hawaii 96749 (808) 959-9233 <br /> WWW.hilazoo.com FOZ@hilozoo.com <br /> <br />