cricketlaxwolvesbandy
Member
Is anyone on this site a volunteer at a zoo, like explain facts about animals to the guests?
Volunteer Work at Zoos
- Thread starter cricketlaxwolvesbandy
- Start date
I was for almost twelve years but it ended badly. Overall it was not a very rewarding experience and I question whether or not docent programs are actually helpful to zoos.
I’m sorry to hear it didn’t go well for you. I won’t pry as to the reason (that’s your business); but in what way don’t you feel docent/volunteer programmes are helpful to zoos?
Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington Zoo have them and the volunteers are always a great wealth of knowledge; and willing to engage with the public. They carry out a lot of work that would otherwise tie up the keepers (animal observation etc). and last time I was at Wellington Zoo, one of them was even doing the keeper talks (and doing a great job of it).
Having spoken with docents at many zoos across the country, as well as interacting with my fellow volunteers at my former zoo, I would not say they are a great wealth of knowledge. I think their greatest service is giving visitors directions (e.g. "where is the nearest bathroom"). Visitors want to talk to the keepers who actually work with animals. That is why zoos like Fresno, where one of the keeper staff is on grounds at all times to answer questions, are a cut above other zoos....the volunteers are always a great wealth of knowledge...
It’s been a great experience for me.
Since 2017 as part of community service grades for my high school, it begin to grow on me and appreciate the Los Angeles Zoo more.
The shifts include Orangutan Watch where I monitor the orangutans from chewing the mesh, the Muriel’s Ranch where I greet visitors and help out with the goats and sheep, and the bird show greeter where I welcome people to the bird show and guide them to their seats.
I also do special events like during Boo at the Zoo and Zoolights.
The best part was I would walk about the zoo before and after my shifts whether checking on an animal species in the collection, refurbished exhibit, or newborn baby Animal. I would talk and educate visitors by the animal exhibits and help them out throughout the zoo like places to go.
Since 2017 as part of community service grades for my high school, it begin to grow on me and appreciate the Los Angeles Zoo more.
The shifts include Orangutan Watch where I monitor the orangutans from chewing the mesh, the Muriel’s Ranch where I greet visitors and help out with the goats and sheep, and the bird show greeter where I welcome people to the bird show and guide them to their seats.
I also do special events like during Boo at the Zoo and Zoolights.
The best part was I would walk about the zoo before and after my shifts whether checking on an animal species in the collection, refurbished exhibit, or newborn baby Animal. I would talk and educate visitors by the animal exhibits and help them out throughout the zoo like places to go.
In general I have found most zoo volunteers to be knowledgeable individuals who can teach the public well. Detroit Zoo has the best group of volunteers I have ever seen at a zoo, most of them seemed just as knowledgeable as the keepers.