The Zoo’s Docents play an important role in serving as guides for all of our guests during their visit. Docents present guided tours, animal encounters, and outreach programs and spark curiosity in countless children by sharing interesting biofacts and animal observations. This is the perfect volunteer program if you like to inspire kids to learn more about the world around them.
Duties
Educate members of the public of all ages.
Facilitate learning opportunities.
Animal handling, interpretation, and observations.
Lead tours, Wild Nights, and Night Hikes.
Utilize bio-facts to educate guests.
Monitor guest interactions and enforce Zoo policies to keep animals and guests safe.
Training Sessions
We bring on new Docents bi-annually, hosting two courses annually. The Animal Handling course begins in the Fall; the Tour Guide course begins in the Spring. Classes are held monthly on Saturdays from 9:00 am-2:00 pm.
The tentative application process is as follows:
July: Interviews for Animal Handling
August – November & January – March: Animal Handling classes
March: Interviews for Tour Guide
April – July: Tour Guide classes
Requirements
Minimum 18 years old.
Pass training program with 80% or higher and participate in all required classes
Must have the ability to volunteer for a minimum of one year.
Must be able to volunteer once a week.
Must be able to traverse Zoo grounds on foot.
Receive and understand directions/instructions verbally, written, and audio.
The ability to interact with a wide age range and variety of people is essential.
Ability to learn, retain and, in turn, teach many animal facts in an effective manner.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills are necessary.
Ability to work with a wide range of animals, including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
