Museum & Zoo offers an interactive junior volunteer programme.

Pupils between the ages of 14 and 17 can join the scheme to gain hands-on experience with a variety of species.

Not only do the volunteers clean cages and feed animals, they also have the opportunity to travel abroad for an educational tour in the summer.

BAMZ staff give special presentations about the programme at schools around the Island each September and interested pupils are asked to apply by the end of October.

The selected students are required to volunteer on either a Saturday or Sunday for one full year, with one evening a month reserved for field trips and educational lectures.

During the day, the junior volunteers are responsible for cleaning cages, feeding and spending time with the animals as well as running the children's Discovery Room.

And each July, all of the volunteers can take advantage of an educational vacation overseas.

Last year, 17 students took part in the event which included tours of various zoos and aquariums in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

"The junior volunteer programme is an excellent learning opportunity,'' said co-ordinator Heather Henderson. "It allows the students to give back to the community while working with and learning about animals.

"The programme is designed for those kids truly interested in animals as they will be doing everything from cleaning out their cages to playing with them and having fun. They are regarded as the Aquarium & Zoo's weekend staff.'' The junior volunteers are asked to keep daily work diaries which are evaluated weekly to provide them with constant advice and praise.

After volunteering for one full year, six juniors will be chosen as paid mentors for the new recruits.

And the following year, one of the mentors is selected to fill the position of assistant programme co-ordinator.

The promotions allow the students to develop their leadership skills as well as their knowledge about animal life, nature and the environment, Ms Henderson pointed out.

Three of the Saturday volunteers last week explained to The Royal Gazette why they joined the programme and what they enjoyed about it.

Sarah Gallo, 14, of the Bermuda High School for Girls, said: "I think the programme is fun and interesting because we work with animals as well as other people.

"I came to a camp at the Aquarium when I was younger and I really enjoyed it so I decided to join up to be a junior volunteer.

"I love being with the animals. I am learning a lot, but it's hard work.'' Fifteen-year-old Jermiko Dillas, of Dellwood Middle School, added: "I joined because I really like the animals. I have already been here for a year and my favourite thing is feeding the animals, especially the bear cat. It is interesting to see how and what they eat.'' And junior mentor Tricha Cross, 16, of Warwick Academy, said: "It is great to work with the animals. The staff is fun and we have a really good time. My favourite part is feeding the seals. "The programme has definitely fulfilled my expectations. I am hoping to go into marine biology and this has helped to make up my mind and do it.'' For further information on the programme contact Ms Henderson at the BAMZ on 293-2727.

Animal magic! ZOO-PER TIME -- Junior volunteer Jacqui Frith (above), of the Bermuda High School for Girls, cuddles Viner, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo's bear cat. Below, junior volunteer Jermiko Dillas, 15, cleans the shell of a box turtle. Pictures by Arthur Bean