Three young Bermudians who gave many hours at the Bermuda Zoological Society said they gained valuable experience in conservation through the society’s volunteer programme.

The programme, which has been running for the past three decades, is geared at fuelling the passion of young Bermudians to explore careers in environmental science.

It is also aimed at inspiring them to become tomorrow’s conservation leaders, a spokeswoman said.

Catrina Furtado, who was a junior volunteer in the 2023-24 programme, said she always had a deep love and passion for marine life and wildlife conservation.

Ms Furtado later joined the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo as a junior staff member

She gained hands-on experience in animal care, teamwork and problem solving, which gave her a strong foundation.

She said: “After gaining experience as a junior volunteer, I knew I wanted to continue being part of the aquarium.

“Learning how to handle different situations has made me more confident and capable as a staff member.”

Her most memorable experience was feeding BAMZ’s beloved harbour seals — Ariel,Calico and Pebbles.

She added: “It was incredible to see their unique personalities up close. It was a mix of excitement and happiness — and the experience was unforgettable.

“Watching them respond to training cues and knowing that I was playing a small role in their care made me even more passionate about working with marine animals.”

Gelondae Gomes, who dreams of pursuing a marine science career, joined the programme as a first step towards his goal.

After a year of dedicating weekends to the programme, he found that he really loved the “atmosphere” at BAMZ.

He said he enjoyed caring for and training the animals and later, he joined the zoo’s team.

Mr Gomes said: “One skill I gained was patience, which helped me when I started off as a junior staff.

“It meant more responsibility. I'd make mistakes, but I'd learn from them, and I'd eventually get better and be more confident in doing my work.”

For those interested in applying to become junior volunteer, Mr Gomes said a good work ethic was necessary.

“Show interest in doing your work, because it helps with your work ethic and makes you actually want to be there,” he said.

As a weekly visitor to BAMZ as a child, Mark Lewis dreamt of being able to work with the animals in the aquarium. He said becoming a volunteer converted that dream into a reality.

During his volunteer year, he learnt critical skills such as tank care and feeding techniques, which helped him to step into a junior staff role.

It was his first time helping on a North Rock feeding that he deemed most memorable.

Mr Lewis said: “Watching BAMZ aquarist Kate Cooper feed the sharks and hearing the sounds of them on the surface was a very memorable moment for me.”

Even for students who do not plan to pursue a career in animal care, Mr Lewis believes the programme offers long-term value.

“You learn work ethic and skills that will help you wherever life takes you,” he said.

Linda Parker, the BZS education officer, said: “The junior volunteer programme is an ideal opportunity for local students to give back to the community and to expand their knowledge and understanding of animal care, marine life, conservation and environmental stewardship.

“Having the opportunity to learn through the expert team at both the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo — our 100 year-old treasure in our island home — and the Bermuda Zoological Society makes it that much more valuable.”

The volunteer programme, which targets high school students aged 14 and up, offers a unique, hands-on experience in animal care and environmental education at both BAMZ and the BZS.

It is designed to explore the interest and build skills for future careers in environmental science and conservation.

Participants develop valuable life skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving and a strong work ethic, all while giving back to their community.

Over the course of a full school year, the volunteers commit to a four-hour shift each weekend, rotating between three placements at the zoo, aquarium and towards environmental education.

They also play active roles in annual BAMZ events and gain insight into animal care and husbandry, as well as environmental stewardship.