The HVZ Goat Yard is located in the heart of the Children's Zoo just beyond the carousel and playground. HVZ staff attendants at the train/carousel regularly check in, and are available for goat yard volunteer support at any time. A small office is located within the carousel and often serves as a quiet/dark break area for volunteers and attendants. The closest bathroom is in the center of the Zoo just outside the Children's Zoo. All surfaces are even, and accessible by wheelchair. The HVZ goat yard is a high sensory area due to high guest numbers and the proximity to our gibbons (who can sound like emergency vehicles when they get going) and may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to large crowds and loud sounds.

• At least 14 years of age to volunteer independently; 10-13 with a parent/guardian
• Comfortable engaging guests and inviting them to meet the herd
• Able to sit and/or stand for 3hrs at a time
• Able to use positive engagement to encourage guests to follow the rules of the yard
• Enjoys large groups of curious kids
• Has a passion for teaching about animals, empathy and conservation

9hrs/mo: Goat Yard Attendants commit to a weekly shift with a minimum of x3 shifts/mo from the time they begin through Labor Day. Extra shifts are available weekends in September for those who would like to continue into the off season a bit.

Goat Yard Attendants are the most busy May through Labor Day. Weekend shifts are also available in April and September for those who would like to practice and bond during slightly slower times of the year.

All of these trainings are available as refreshers at any point upon request. Optional trainings allow you to try out other roles as shifts become available. They do not add to your minimum requirements (i.e. training in on another role doesn't require you to add another set of weekly shifts). Training spots are limited; however, we will schedule more throughout the summer as interest and time allows.

• Online
  • Volunteer Software Basics (5-10min)
  • Volunteer Orientation (1-2hrs)
  • Radio Training (40-50min)
• In-Person
  • Onsite orientation (1hr) – Meet other Attendants, HVZ Children’s Zoo staff and the herd, learn goat yard safety and procedures, practice common radio calls, short tour of other Children’s Zoo habitats

While Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather, we understand that humans and goats tend not to enjoy coming out in inclement weather. We trust our Goat Yard Attendants to decide whether or not they would like to volunteer in light precipitation, cold/hot temperatures, etc. The volunteer is in charge of scheduling a make-up shift in the event they choose to stay home due to weather.

In the event of truly inclement weather (and/or reluctant goats), we will call volunteers to cancel. In this case, volunteers can take an excused absence.