Make a Difference! Join the Fun!
Do you love animals and people? Are you passionate about wildlife and wild habitats? Would you like to be a part of the Saint Louis Zoo's efforts to help our visitors and the greater community understand and appreciate nature? Do you have a little time on your hands? Then you might want to consider becoming a Saint Louis Zoo docent.
What does a docent do?
- Teaches Zoo visitors about animals and conservation
- Leads educational tours
- Conducts classes on and off Zoo grounds
- Helps design programs and classes
- Interprets wildlife, ecosystems and conservation to visitors on Zoo grounds
- Participates in continuing education courses taught by Education Department staff, Zoo curators and zookeepers.
What benefits do I receive as a docent?
- Satisfaction -- you help others understand the natural world
- Friendship -- you meet and work with others who share your interests
- Knowledge -- you learn new skills and receive extensive training in zoology and conservation
- Fun and excitement -- you are a part of a world-class Zoo!
What must I do to become a docent?
- Fill out the Volunteer Inquiry Form. For other volunteer opportunities visit our Volunteer section.
- Attend the Zoo's 2-day information volunteer training session
- Interview with the Docent Recruitment Committee
- Complete docent basic training
How do I know I would enjoy being a docent?
You may shadow a docent by accompanying him/her while they work.
What are the requirements for being a docent?
Docents must be 18 years of age or older and able to volunteer a minimum of 62 hours per year.
How do I get more information?
Call or e-mail:
Rachel Marshall, Docent Coordinator
Saint Louis Zoo Education Department
(314) 646-4548
Rmarshall@stlzoo.org
On Becoming a Zookeeper
Some people become Zoo docents because they love working with animals. If you're seriously interested in knowing what it takes to be a zookeeper, you might want to click on So You Want to be a Zookeeper?. Here you can find out how to prepare for a career in zoos, aquaria, and other wildlife organizations.
|
