BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - A volunteer shortage has the NEW Zoo worried about a major fundraiser.

The Zoo Boo is earlier than years past and staff is worried people are not planning ahead.    

"I did not realize how much work it was going to be preparing for this" says volunteer Joe VanSistine. "We started right at the beginning of September and we have had volunteers in and out throughout the month".

To make the event a success at least 100 volunteers are needed each night of Zoo Boo.

"If you add all six nights together it takes an average of 900 people to pull it off" says the Zoo's volunteer coordinator Angela Kawski.

Volunteers are critical year round because the zoo is totally self funded.

It is one of only seven Association of Zoos & Aquariums accredited sites in the country to get no taxpayer dollars.

"I am at that point where we are desperate, in great need of volunteer assistance" says Kawski.

The NEW Zoo's annual budget is just over $2 Million and Zoo Boo needs to bring in about $120,000 dollars to stay on track

"It is our largest fundraising event of the year" says Kawski. "We see about 20,000 people every year for the 6 night event".

Volunteers will pass out candy to trick-or-treaters and act as ghouls in the haunted forest.

According to Kawski "The shifts themselves are three hours long so a person doesn't have to commit to all 6 nights or even an entire night of the event.

"You know you are making a difference in people's lives and you know people enjoy when they come here" says VanSistine.

Volunteers can be as young as eight with a parents help.

Click here for information on volunteering.