Zoo Guides are volunteer educators who share animal and habitat information with zoo visitors. They play an integral role in communicating the conservation and education goals of the Zoo. Zoo Guide activities include, but are not limited to, giving informal programs to visitors of all ages, interpreting exhibits and bio-facts, working with school groups, camps and classes, assisting with special events and the animal behavior program.

Requirements:

• One to two shifts per month, amounting to at least 50 hours per year. Required basic training program takes place over a three-week period.
• All Zoo Guide positions require an annual tuberculosis test.

Animal Handling Guide:

After completing a minimum of one year of volunteering, zoo guides are eligible to become animal handlers. Animal handlers are taught to handle and interpret a variety of invertebrates, reptiles (including snakes), amphibians, mammals and birds. This volunteer position is a significant time commitment, but allows volunteers to diversify their experience at the zoo.

Animal handling training requires an additional three weeks of training and additional mentoring time beyond volunteer training.

Animal Handlers must commit to interpreting with the animals at least 4 hours per month year-round.

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Raptor Handling Guide:

To apply to become a raptor handling guide, volunteers must have at least one year experience as an animal handler and  be in good standing.

This position requires additional training and mentoring.

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•  We offer fall and spring training for the Zoo Guide program.

To fill out an application, please click here.