Docent Educators

Docents are special volunteer educators. The Docent program is designed for individuals who have a strong interest in animals and conservation and who are looking for a meaningful involvement with the Zoo. Docents work closely with the Zoos Education staff and other education volunteers to teach our guests about the Zoos animal collection and the conservation issues that affect all wildlife and their habitats.

Docents have the opportunity to assist with or present educational programs and ZOWs (Zoo on Wheels) for groups, present Live Animal Shows for Zoo guests, prepare educational materials and crafts, work out in the Zoo at Discovery Hubs and Wild Adventure programs, promote the Zoo at Outreaches such as community fairs and Expos, and assist with program development and research. Being trained to handle and present our Education animals is an exciting part of this volunteer experience!

Docent candidates must be 18 years of age or older. All new Docents are required to attend a two-day training session, which will cover orientation, the natural history of animals, education procedures, guest relations, and animal handling classes. Training sessions are scheduled in January and June 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.

The Junior Docent program has been designed for young people 14 to 17 years of age who are interested in animals and would like an opportunity to work with and learn more about them. The same Education Department opportunities that are available to Docents such as presenting shows and programs, assisting with ZOWs, manning Discovery Hubs, and working with the Zoos Education animals, are available to trained Junior Docents.

Junior Docents also have the opportunity to work with the zoos pony staff to care for our ponies and run the pony rides, assist with summer camp, and work with our barn animals in special training sessions. 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.

An information packet on the program is available; if you would like more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (610)277-3825 ext.233, or send an email to volunteer@elmwoodparkzoo.com

You can also use the online enrollment formto sign up.