Interpretive Services

Docent Training Class Starting October 14

Want to learn more about animals and play a direct role in educating zoo visitors about our natural world? Study after study confirms that a visit to the zoo is dramatically enhanced by opportunities to interact with enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers and staff. Join us to help spread the word about the animals we all love and the important messages of habitat conservation!

Sign up NOW for a eight week DOCENT TRAINING class beginning Thursday, October 14 at 9:30 a.m. Classes will be held on a Tuesday & Thursday schedule from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and will feature presentations and tours led by all our Animal Specialists, Veterinarian, Horticulturist, and Senior Administrative staff. The program is coordinated by City & County Zoo Education Specialist Mary Harbold. Graduates are asked to make a 6 month commitment to staff one of a growing number of ISP kiosks on the zoo grounds for at least 3-4 hours each week.

Sound like fun and a great learning experience? You betcha! If you'd like to participate or need more information, please call at 926-3191 ext. 11 or send an email message.

The Zoo is an animal preserve featuring the wildlife of tropical climates. Our mission is to help our visitors appreciate the importance of ecosystem conservation, so that wild animals are able to remain in their natural state, in the wild

Some of our volunteers act as Zoo interpreters at various stations set up throughout the Zoo.

The Greeter Station (Hale Ho'ike)
Located near the zoo entrance, this station provides a personal welcome and information about current events and daily animal encounters in the zoo.

Primate Island Station
Located by monkey islands, volunteers use animal artifacts and fact sheets to tell the story of primate island animals.

Karibuni Park Headquarters
At the park headquarters station, located at the entrance of the Karibuni Reserve and at the Chimp Station located within the reserve, visitors learn about African animals and their habitats.

Animal Encounters
Qualified volunteers interpret animal care and enrichment activities to the public.

Training

Interpretive Service Training is a combination of monthly classroom lectures with on-going, in-service training.

Requirements

To participate in our interpretive service program, you must have a need to know about, and share a dedication to, preserving our wildlife.

Job Description

Ability to make well informed and interesting public presentations

Represent the Zoo's mission* using animal and cultural artifacts.

Commit to a 3-hour morning (9:00 - 12 Noon) or afternoon shift (12 Noon - 3:00 p.m.) for a minimum of three months.

Present a clean and well-groomed appearance; no tank tops, cutoffs or other things that distract the public.

Remain courteous at all times.

Complete in-service training; minimum of one continuous three-hour shift.

Be able to manage station setup and closure.

Work independently

Request additional animal related information as needed from Education Specialist and/or Volunteer Coordinator

Attend monthly Zoo Education Workshops and Seminars

Must work well with others.

Desired: Previous experience providing public presentations, background/education in wildlife conservation, multiple language skills.

*to preserve and foster an appreciation for the diversity of wildlife

For More Information call Mary at:
(808)971-2509
or write to:

Mary Harbold
Honolulu Zoo Education Dept.
151 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815