Docents
Got the gift of gab? An innate talent for teaching? If so, the Zoo’s Docent Program may be the volunteer opportunity for you!
Each year volunteer teachers, referred to as docents, serve as interpretive guides and present educational programs introducing thousands of children and adults to the wonders of wildlife.
The Zoo offers docent training two times year. Docents are trained in the art of interpretation, using interesting biofacts as well as animal observations to provoke curiosity. Docents promote learning and inspire visitors towards conserving wildlife while guiding them through the Zoo on Learning Safari Tours.
Like working with animals?
Docents also serve as animal presenters in the Zoo’s half hour animal encounters and one hour outreach programs. Docents also conduct In-Zoo-Encounters throughout the park seven days a week. During these programs docents work with the Zoo’s education animals.
The docent training program is broken up over five weeks in which trainees learn about the natural history of both Zoo animals on exhibit and those found in the Education Department as well as the educational programs docents conduct on and off property.
Docents must pass the training program with an 80% or higher to continue as a docent for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. To participate in the training there is a $40.00 fee to cover costs of materials. Fees are collected on the first day of class.
Docent Training Schedule
Fall Classes: Aug. 22, 29 & Sept. 5, 12, 19, 2012
- Five week training course
- Class times: 9:00am-1:30pm
- Orientation and interviews for the fall docent class will take place on:
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 6:00p.m.
- Animal Handling will begin upon completion of the Docent training course.
Please complete the Docent Application and submit to the Volunteer Office. Upon acceptance you will receive information regarding the training.