Partners Advancing 

with Support (PAWS) 

A program for Denver Zoo volunteers with Down syndrome  

The PAWS Program at Denver Zoo establishes a context and process of reasonable accommodations to encourage adults with Down syndrome to achieve success, inclusion and independence as Denver Zoo volunteers in support of Denver Zoo and its mission.

PAWS Partners - adult volunteers with Down syndrome - work alongside PAWS Mentors - adult volunteers who support, assist, encourage and empower - in volunteer activities at the zoo.

Examples of the types of activities include:  Assisting with guest entry at the Main Gate Entry Plaza  Supporting Denver Zoo Events as a Greeter or Wayfinder  

Helping with Craft Stations and Birthday Parties 

Assisting guests and monitor the birds in the Lorikeet Aviary 

Assisting Animal Handlers with guests during animal demonstrations 

 

Volunteer opportunities are morning, afternoon or evening, weekdays and weekends year‐

round and average three hours in length.  

    Open to all applicants 18 years and older with Down syndrome 

     All applicants will be interviewed and once accepted:  

Will participate in a new volunteer orientation session 

Receive additional training and support as necessary  

Join as a member of the Denver Zoological Foundation 

Earn a minimum of 50 hours per year as a volunteer 

We are recruiting for new adult volunteer partners.  Please consider joining Denver Zoo’s Volunteer Program. 

Contact Trish Morris, Program Director, Global Down Syndrome Foundation at 303-807-7898 tmorris@globaldownsyndrome.org for more information.

Thank you for your interest in Denver Zoo’s PAWS Program!! For more on Denver 

Zoo’s Volunteer Program, please visit: denverzoo.org/involved/volunteer.html 

The PAWS Program welcomes all individuals with special needs. 

Supported in part by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation