Volunteering at Zoo Negara has been one of the most unique and enriching experiences I've ever had. Combining community engagement with service learning, it gave me the chance to contribute to wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship firsthand. This initiative not only benefits the zoo and its inhabitants but also fosters personal growth and community spirit among us students.

At the start of term 3, 15 of us from AISM’s senior school participated in various fun and educational tasks essential for Zoo Negara’s daily operations. These activities included:

• Cleaning Trash and Dry Leaves: Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for both visitors and animals. We helped pick up litter, ensuring the zoo remains a welcoming and safe place.
• Feeding Animals: This task involved preparing and distributing food to various animals, such as giraffes and rhinoceroses. Understanding dietary needs and feeding schedules was key. Carrying 20 kg of vegetables was challenging, but we always supported each other to get the job done.
• Cleaning Animal Enclosures: We cleaned the enclosures of pumas, capybaras, wallabies, and tigers. This included cleaning up waste, sanitizing the area, and ensuring the enclosures were safe and comfortable.
• Cleaning Animal Food Bowls: Sanitizing food bowls to prevent disease and ensure the health of the animals was a daily task.
• Preparing Food for Orangutans: A couple of groups, including mine, had the chance to feed orangutans for the first time. Tasks included cutting fruits and vegetables, such as sugar cane and papaya, according to the orangutans' dietary needs.

Volunteering at the zoo built a strong sense of community among us. We met new people from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: the welfare of the animals and the upkeep of the zoo. This shared mission fostered teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging. It was also a fantastic way to connect with visitors and enhance our understanding of wildlife and conservation efforts.

Through this experience, we learned about animal behavior, habitat needs, and the challenges of conservation. Alongside these insights, we developed valuable soft skills like problem-solving, leadership, and empathy. Even though we felt tired after a long day at the zoo, we left with a deeper appreciation for nature's delicate balance and a renewed commitment to protecting our planet's biodiversity.