Become a Zoo Docent
The Buffalo Zoo is looking for a few good men and women….to become Docents! A Docent is a volunteer teacher and tour guide who enjoys spreading the Buffalo Zoo’s message of conservation and educationthroughout Western New York. Docent responsibilities include acting as Zoo tour guides, interacting with Zoo visitors, conducting live animal presentations, and participating in educational outreach throughout the community.
Becoming a Buffalo Zoo docent is a serious commitment and a rewarding journey. Established in 1974, the Docent Organization’s goals are to help the Buffalo Zoo Education Department “educate, unite, and involve people in the conservation and preservation of the natural world.” With over 100 active members, the Zoo’s extremely dedicated volunteer organization plays an essential role in Buffalo Zoo programming both on and off Zoo grounds. To become a Docent, you must be at least 25 years of age and interested in both animals and the environment. Training for the 2013 class will take place on Saturdays, from January through April 2013. Classes will run 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Two orientation sessions will be held to share what being a Zoo Docent is all about. These information sessions will be held at the Buffalo Zoo (in the Education Department) in October 20, 2012 and November 10th, 2012 from 10:00a.m.-12:00. These sessions will be your chance to learn more about the Zoo and the Docent Organization, and to get a glimpse of what the docent experience entails. If you are interested in becoming a docent, you must attend one of the orientation sessions. To sign up for an orientation session, call Maureen Pantera, the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator, at 995-6132.
