Zoo Educator Volunteers: The Zoo Educator program is a year-round, long-term volunteer opportunity for adults ages 18 and above, who have great people skills and a deep love of animals, nature, and conservation.Zoo Eds provide informal, spontaneous interactions, including but not limited to:
- Talking with Zoo visitors in front of exhibits
- Assisting with activity and biofact tables (biofacts are hides, skulls, or related items)
- Demonstrating live animals in open areas or near exhibits
- Off-grounds activities at community events, etc.
Zoo Eds also provide a variety of educational programs, both on and off Zoo grounds. Programs may be planned, following structured curricula, such as:
- On-grounds programs for school and assorted youth groups, centered around specific topics
- Scripted interpretive programs at key exhibits
- Structured animal demonstrations for youth and community groups
All of our education opportunities reinforce a love and respect for animals and nature, and our role as responsible stewards for our fragile world.
Training: Zoo Eds must complete a half-day orientation and series of class sessions that cover every area of the Zoo. Training is provided by department staff and includes information about our exhibits, our animals and our unique heritage, as well as teaching and communication techniques. Zoo Eds may also receive specialized animal handling training for specific programs and opportunities. The initial training series begins each September.
Time commitment:
- Complete the training including orientation and 10 additional classes. Sessions are offered each fall
- Give at least eighteen (18) hours of education service every 3 months
- Attend at least six (6) Zoo Ed Meetings per year. The Zoo Ed Meetings are held on the second
- Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education per year
Application deadline: Labor Day of each year
Click here to download application.
Please email filled-in application to volunteer@toledozoo.org.
