LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Those with a passion for plants, animals or perhaps both have the chance to volunteer with the Louisville Zoo. 

The zoo is seeking experienced gardeners to participate in its "Adopt-a-Garden" program, allowing volunteers to contribute to the zoo by adopting and caring for its growing sites during the 2024 growing season. A required orientation will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the MetaZoo amphitheater.

Once volunteers are enrolled, the zoo said they will be required to submit a plan for their plot. They will be responsible for planting, weeding, watering and maintaining the garden throughout the growing season, which takes place mid-April through mid-November. The zoo added volunteers may purchase their own plants and bring plants from their own gardens with prior approval.

"I enjoy participating in this program," longtime volunteer Anne Ramsey said in a release. "I have had my little patch of the zoo near ZooVision that I maintain with limelight hydrangeas, daylilies and shasta daisies. I take pride in my little garden as I watch kids and families walk by building memories at the zoo."

"Devoting two hours per week to this peaceful endeavor allows me and my husband, Jerry Randoph, to connect with nature, contribute to the beauty of the zoo and immerse our hands in the enriching soil of the earth.”

The zoo said volunteers should RSVP to mary.taylor@louisvilleky.gov by April 11 to attend the April 13 orientation. Additional information can be found on the Louisville Zoo's website, along with other volunteer opportunities.