Featured Volunteers
On June 7, we gathered to celebrate the achievements of our amazing and hard-working volunteers. The following individuals were given awards for their extraordinary contributions.
SHOOTING STAR AWARD: 2025
Five years ago, we were in the midst of COVID. It was a hard time for so many of us. Some of us got more active. Some of us took online classes. Some of us pursued new hobbies. Bari Borsky and Paula Riggin decided to revamp and consolidate the Docent Class. They went through the entire class curriculum, condensing, eliminating, and updating subject matter, making it more accessible and aligning with the Zoo’s messages. They also considered the practical needs of the docents when they are on grounds. Knowing that wayfinding can be a challenge to more than a few new docents, they added new activities. Storytelling was emphasized, with extra time given to practice this new skill. And let us not forget, they helped the new docents learn to use Visual Thinking Strategies. For these innovative achievements and more, this dynamic duo was awarded our Shooting Star Award for 2025.
SILVER STAR AWARD: 2025
Liz LaDou, our Silver Star awardee, quietly and generously gives her time to share her love of our fabulous animals. Her positive attitude and cheerful smile are infectious. She always displays a willingness to go above and beyond. When she was voted to lead her docent class, she accepted. Upon graduation, she went on to volunteer with Special Needs Outreach and the Virtual Field Trip program. Cart tours, College Primate Tours and Special Request Walking tours were also added to her list. Along the way, she readily accepted leadership positions. She volunteered with the Training Committee. Many docents and specialists benefitted from her mentorship, and that expertise led her to become the Mentor Chair on the Docent Administration Committee. Since graduation in 2018, Liz has given over 2,700 hours to our beloved Zoo.
SHINING STAR AWARD: 2025
You might recognize volunteer Ilyse Frieder by her purple uniform shirt. Once worn by those volunteering with the enrichment team, these shirts are no longer made. Now, they serve as a symbol of pride for a select few of our most dedicated volunteers. It’s a sign of someone who’s been here for the long run, seen the Zoo grow and change, and remained a constant through it all.
And that symbol certainly holds true for this volunteer. With over 6,000 hours and more than twelve years of service, Ilyse has given more time to the Zoo than anyone else currently in the general volunteer program. But beyond the numbers, this year’s honoree has given something even more meaningful: heart.
She has supported a wide variety of programs over the years including Enrichment, Food Prep, and the Bird Show, always showing up with the same thoughtfulness and willingness to help in any way she can. In fact, her connection runs so deep that when she recently decided to take a break from a favorite long-time assignment, the conversation brought tears to her eyes. That moment said it all. This isn’t just volunteering to her, it’s a part of who she is. And who she is, is someone deeply kind, humble, and genuinely invested in the well-being of the Zoo, its animals, its staff, and her fellow volunteers. Ilyse truly embodies the spirit and legacy of volunteerism at the Zoo.
COMET AWARD: 2025
The rare and radiant Comet Award was given to Kathy Inman and Leann Kruse-Arcia. Like a true celestial wonder, this remarkable duo has left a trail of inspiration in their wake. One marked by encouragement, positivity, and steady leadership. They haven’t simply passed through, they’ve illuminated our path, shift perspectives, and reminded us of what’s possible when we lead with heart and vision. The past six months have brought challenges and uncertainty, yet they navigated it with hope, humor, and perseverance. Every morning, they shined a light on our shared purpose, lifted our spirits, and rekindled the joy of being a part of the Zoo community.