Volunteering at Taronga Western Plains Zoo for the past five years, Pauline Freeburn loves the opportunity of dedicating her time to a well-loved facility.

After retirement and finding more time in her days, Ms Freeburn took the opportunity to work within her passion and project the importance of conservation programs.

“I promised myself that when I retired I was going to come out here and train to be a volunteer because it’s something that I had wanted to do for a long time,” Ms Freeburn told Dubbo Photo News.

“It’s been a big part of my life since I’ve retired because I’ve always been interested in the environment and conservation element.”

Ms Freeburn moved to Dubbo in the 1980s and said her children used the zoo as their personal backyard.

“We were out here most weekends throughout my children’s childhood, so it was a really familiar environment and I wanted to contribute a bit more when I had the opportunity,” she said.

“We do a number of tasks here at the zoo, like the early morning walks and talking to guests, that’s probably my favourite part.

“I introduce guests to the animals and explain why they are in the conservation program and what harms they do face.

“It’s really important to spread that conservation message across to the visitors.

“I think over time visitors start to understand and appreciate why we’re [volunteers] here and can see our passion.”

The early morning walks are Ms Freeburn’s favourite part of her volunteerism as children are intrigued to know more about animals.

“Kids ask brilliant questions, it makes getting up at five in the morning worthwhile,” she said.

Ms Freeburn said her favourite animal in the zoo are the otters because of their free spirit.

“They’re quite elusive and lay in their dens a lot, but when they’re out – it makes me tired just watching them,” she said.