What is a Docent, You Ask?
Docents are volunteer teachers who share their knowledge of the Zoo and the world's flora and fauna with children and families through touring, education stations, and numerous educational programs and classes.
The duties that our Docents participate in are as varied as those performing them. If you love learning, love animals, and love sharing what you know with others, join our program. Individual opportunities are discussed throughout your training course.
Qualifications
Upon acceptance to the program, successful completion of the Docent Provisional Class. Applicants must enjoy working with children and adults of all ages.
Typical Hours Per Year
100
Training
To ensure the highest quality teaching techniques, successful Docents will complete a 23-week training program that is offered at the Zoo each fall in conjunction with UCLA Extension.
Special Requirements
All Docents must maintain a family or individual membership with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. In addition, all active Docents must attend an annual update session and complete and pass the annual test with a minimum score of 90%. Annual tuberculosis test is required of all volunteers. For the safety of our visitors, all Docents must also be fingerprinted by the City of Los Angeles upon acceptance to the program.
For more information, please call (323) 644-4703 or send an email to volunteers@lazoo.org.
