Check out her Volunteer of the Year pin!

Congratulations are in order for Sandy Meierer, who was recognized as the Zoo’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner last week!

Over the past few months, Zoo staff and volunteers were asked to nominate candidates for the award—this was someone who they felt went above and beyond in 2019. Sandy received a record-breaking 21 nods, including one from every single member of the Zoo’s facilities and housekeeping crews!

Beginning volunteering in the Paws On Petting Zone, Sandy soon moved to landscaping because she “loves getting dirty!” She can be found planting, weeding, trimming and operating equipment throughout the Zoo every Tuesday. She also periodically helps make animal enrichment items and assists with special events like Boo at the Zoo and Jazzoo. In addition to her volunteering roles, Sandy prepare a meals for the Zoo’s facilities and housekeeping staff every week!

Before retiring, Sandy worked for the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office in New York state. She has been volunteering at the Zoo for five years and dedicated almost 2,000 hours of her time to the institution. Her commitment is made more palpable by the fact that she commutes 40 miles from Sebastian for each shift!

Her hard work, dedication and positive attitude are just some of the reasons why Sandy was named our 2019 Volunteer of the Year! We sincerely thank her and all of our volunteers for their dedicated service.