Paula George spends much of her spare time at the zoo. “I love meeting the people and seeing my animal friends,” she said. “The zoo is where I go when I feel like I need cheering up.”
For the past 13 years, Paula has volunteered at the Kansas City Zoo as a guest guide, ambassador, and now a docent. She serves as an educator and interpreter at animal habitats throughout the zoo, provides tours, and assists with the zoo’s educational programs throughout the year.
“My job is to interpret different animals to our guests, give them facts about the animal, and answer any questions they might have,” she said.
Although Paula spent most of her professional life working for various electric companies in Butler and Joplin, she retired from the city of Lee’s Summit treasury office in 2012 with a LAGERS benefit. Retirement gave Paula the time and flexibility to turn a lifelong appreciation for animals into meaningful volunteer work.
After retiring, those visits became more frequent. Eventually, other zoo docents took notice and encouraged her to become a volunteer, and she has never looked back.
“I have no desire to quit volunteering,” she said. “It’s a rewarding program, and we are always looking for new people.”
Paula comes from what she describes as a “decent animal family.” She has one granddaughter, Walker, who lives in Joplin and works in the medical field. While they don’t see each other as often as she would like, Paula says animals have always been an important part of her family’s life. Like many zoo volunteers, she views animals not just as exhibits, but as essential to the health of the planet.
The Kansas City Zoo is involved in a number of conservation programs aimed at protecting animals in the wild, a mission Paula is passionate about sharing with guests. She especially enjoys seeing children experience animals in person rather than only on screens.
“Every animal on earth and in the ocean has a specific role to play in our daily lives,” she said. “If we don’t protect our animals, they will slowly disappear, and the earth as we know it will no longer be able to function.”
As a docent, Paula encourages guests to think about how everyday choices can make a difference. She often shares simple, practical steps people can take, such as reading labels to avoid products made with unsustainable palm oil, choosing legally caught seafood, and picking up animal waste so it doesn’t wash into local rivers.
“We are one big family at the Kansas City Zoo,” she said, “all trying to protect our animals and give enjoyment as well.”
And for those who haven’t visited in a while, Paula has a standing invitation.
“We’ll be looking for you at the zoo!”Paula George spends much of her spare time at the zoo. “I love meeting the people and seeing my animal friends,” she said. “The zoo is where I go when I feel like I need cheering up.”
For the past 13 years, Paula has volunteered at the Kansas City Zoo as a guest guide, ambassador, and now a docent. She serves as an educator and interpreter at animal habitats throughout the zoo, provides tours, and assists with the zoo’s educational programs throughout the year.
“My job is to interpret different animals to our guests, give them facts about the animal, and answer any questions they might have,” she said.
Although Paula spent most of her professional life working for various electric companies in Butler and Joplin, she retired from the city of Lee’s Summit treasury office in 2012 with a LAGERS benefit. Retirement gave Paula the time and flexibility to turn a lifelong appreciation for animals into meaningful volunteer work.
After retiring, those visits became more frequent. Eventually, other zoo docents took notice and encouraged her to become a volunteer, and she has never looked back.
“I have no desire to quit volunteering,” she said. “It’s a rewarding program, and we are always looking for new people.”
Paula comes from what she describes as a “decent animal family.” She has one granddaughter, Walker, who lives in Joplin and works in the medical field. While they don’t see each other as often as she would like, Paula says animals have always been an important part of her family’s life. Like many zoo volunteers, she views animals not just as exhibits, but as essential to the health of the planet.
The Kansas City Zoo is involved in a number of conservation programs aimed at protecting animals in the wild, a mission Paula is passionate about sharing with guests. She especially enjoys seeing children experience animals in person rather than only on screens.
“Every animal on earth and in the ocean has a specific role to play in our daily lives,” she said. “If we don’t protect our animals, they will slowly disappear, and the earth as we know it will no longer be able to function.”
As a docent, Paula encourages guests to think about how everyday choices can make a difference. She often shares simple, practical steps people can take, such as reading labels to avoid products made with unsustainable palm oil, choosing legally caught seafood, and picking up animal waste so it doesn’t wash into local rivers.
“We are one big family at the Kansas City Zoo,” she said, “all trying to protect our animals and give enjoyment as well.”
And for those who haven’t visited in a while, Paula has a standing invitation.
“We’ll be looking for you at the zoo!”
