Advanced Volunteer Roles: Docent, Tour Guides, etc
![]() |
ADVANCED VOLUNTEER ROLES: Share your passion for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo directly with our Zoo Guests as a Docent / Zoo Tour Guide
|
Volunteer Docent and Zoo Tour Guides
Docent and Zoo Tour Guides are the most advanced Volunteer Roles at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and only the most dedicated and professional volunteers are invited to train for these positions. In order to qualify, volunteers must complete orientation, demonstrate a strong record of consistent and responsible volunteer service, and complete advanced training specific to these roles.
Zoo Tour Guides
Approved Tour Guide volunteers will lead groups of 5-20 people on tours at the Zoo on an as needed basis. They will be trained on the Wildlife Trail as well as Indoor Zoo and will be required to remain up to date on animal exhibit, zoo information as well as the conservation mission of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Regular attendance of Volunteer Meetings is recommended for any volunteer approved to be a tour guide / docent.
Docents
Docent shifts are more regular. Trained docents are allowed to sign up for shifts where they take a Bio-Fact Cart out to various specified locations on Zoo grounds to share information related to particular species of animals with our Zoo guests, engaging our guests in learning more about the animals in our care.
Occasionally the Animal Care Team will need to train a team of docents to assist with higher than average guest traffic, augmenting their regular keeper talks. These docents will share information directly in front of live animal exhibits according to specific talking points provided by the animal care team. Recent examples include when we had the Koala's on loan from the San Diego Zoo and the more recent birth of two pastas monkey girls.
Other Advanced Volunteer Roles
Animal Observation Volunteers
Some volunteers may wish to train as animal observation volunteers, using the Zoo Monitor Program. Opportunities for Animal Observation Training and volunteer shifts are upon the request of the animal care team - and only when specific needs arise. We do not generally have frequent and on-going animal observation projects. Each request for animal observation volunteers will come with its own specific training by the animal care team. Invitations to participate in training will be sent out when needs arise.
Animal Encounter Volunteers
Volunteers assist in greeting and escorting our guests who have purchased Animal Encounters. Most animal encounters take place in the morning hours before the Zoo is open to the public, so guests need to be met at the front entrance and accompanied throughout their visit. Encounter volunteers are not trained to provide animal specific information, their role is mainly to welcome and escort our guests to their meeting with the animal care team. Training is provided by the Development Team.
All training for these advanced positions is provided by the Education Department / Animal Care Teams. Volunteers not trained will not be approved for these volunteer shifts.