The Docent Program

The Docent and Junior Docent Programs are designed for individuals who have a strong interest in animals and conservation and who are looking for a meaningful involvement with the Zoo. Docents are volunteer educators who work closely with the Zoo's education team, here at the zoo and out in the community, to provide information and learning opportunities about the Zoo's animal collection and the conservation issues that affect all wildlife and their habitats.

The Junior Docent program is a leadership and career development program for young people 14 to 17 years of age who are interested in pursuing careers in animal husbandry, veterinary science, zoological management and education or other related field.

As an integral part of the zoo’s education team, Docents have the opportunity to:

• Prepare educational materials
• Provide enrichment for our animals
• Present Live Animal Shows
• Participate in community outreach activities
• Provide staff support for the Docent Exploration Zone and Wild Adventure Programs
• Assist with program development and research
• During the summer, Junior Docents are also called upon to assist with summer camp and pony rides, and serve in the Butterfly House

Requirements: Docent candidates must be 18 years of age or older and are required to commit to one year of service and attend a two-day training orientation that covers a wide range of topics including the natural history of animals, education procedures, guest relations, and animal handling classes. Training sessions are scheduled in January and May and take place on two consecutive Saturdays. Continuing education classes are offered periodically for those Docents who wish to acquire special skills that will enable them to perform public animal shows, lead guided tours, or prepare animal diets.

Junior Docents are also required to attend the two-day training classes and are permitted to participate in any relevant continuing education classes. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this program, membership is currently limited to 25 young people. Applications are accepted and interviews conducted from January to March (for a summer start) and from September to December (for a winter start).

Being a Docent requires a great commitment, but there are many rewards:

• A 20% discount in the Nature Shop and Cougar Café
• 50% off an individual membership or that dollar amount deducted from a family membership
• An invitation to the annual Volunteer Banquet
• The opportunity to go on the annual Volunteer Field Trip to another major zoo such as the Bronx in New York or the National Zoo in Washington
• Junior Docents can camp overnight in the Zoo at the annual end of summer Junior Docent Campout
• Docents have the chance to represent their Zoo at the National AZAD (Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents) Convention

If you would like more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (610)277-3825 ext.236, or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You can also use the online enrollment form to apply for this programs.