Fresno Chaffee Zoo has a dedicated group of over 200 volunteers that connect guests to community, wildlife, and knowledge. Docents, VolunTeens, Zoo Camp Jr. Camp Counselors, and Group Volunteers are all a critical part of the guest experience, helping to create memories that last a lifetime. These programs serve different needs that elevate the Zoo’s mission: to inspire people to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife.
Docents
If you’ve ever visited the Zoo and interacted with a friendly face in a teal blue shirt, that was likely a Docent. These volunteers participate in a variety of activities from school tours, to interacting with guests on grounds, to helping with the Zoo’s education programs and special events.
Marc is a Docent at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and much of his love for the role comes from guest connections. “Whether it’s giving directions to navigate the grounds, or sharing special knowledge of a particular animal species, there is always an opportunity to enhance the guest experience.”
Docents have the opportunity to get familiarized with the animals in the Zoo’s care, the layout of the Zoo, and other animal information. For Docents like Marc, helping to educate guests about animals and conversation is an essential part of the experience.
“An important role that we have is sharing,” said Marc. “It is particularly rewarding when we engage our younger visitors because it feels as though we are having a special impact in laying the foundation for the future generations of conservationists and species survival. That personal connection also creates ownership with our guests, and why we so often hear them refer to Fresno Chaffee Zoo as ‘their’ Zoo.
“I never leave my duty time at the Zoo without feeling uplifted, it’s just that kind of place,” said Marc. “There are so many different opportunities to be involved in supporting our Zoo efforts that it’s impossible to be bored with volunteering. I’m so glad to be a part of the many wonderful things going on here.”
VolunTeens
The VolunTeen program is a volunteer opportunity for ages 13-17. Central Valley teens get the unparalleled experience to be a part of a larger conservation mission both locally and globally. These teens get the unique opportunity to learn about the wildlife sustainability efforts that are practiced at the Zoo, then further their impact by educating guests about these conservation missions.
“I started volunteering last year and found out about it through CART environmental science,” said VolunTeen Ellie. “I run activities around the Zoo for little kids and teach people about different subjects. For example, last year I ran activities about recycling, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard conservation efforts, and the purple pipe project, which is about the recycled water the Zoo uses.”
Teens gain experience with public speaking, time management, positive communication, and leadership. Ellie’s over 100 hours of service at the Zoo has even resulted in her developing friendships with some of the other volunteers and employees that last far after the program.
Zoo Camp Jr. Camp Counselor
Teens also have the opportunity to spend their summers at the Zoo as a Zoo Camp Jr. Camp Counselor. These counselors work with our education teams to host Zoo Camp for ages 3-11 throughout the summer, facilitating a variety of art projects, activities, and games. Ellie’s experience as a VolunTeen inspired her to come back for the summer months as well.
“I get to be the counselor’s assistant in the classroom and when walking around the Zoo,” she said. “This work has taught me how to run a classroom and speak with kids of different ages. Learning how to speak when talking with adults versus kids is crucial when trying to present to people as a wildlife biologist, which is what I want to be in the future.”
The volunteer program is not only fun and educational, it is also a chance for teens to get hands-on experience in a career field they might want to pursue one day. Ellie found her path through this program and hopes to continue her education at the Zoo for more years to come.
“I plan on officially working at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo during my first 2 years in community college,” Ellie said. “To me, working there doesn’t feel like work, what I do feels like a fun project.”
Group Volunteers
Volunteer programs expand further than just for single participants; groups are also welcome to volunteer together at the Zoo. This program is an opportunity for organizations, families, and clubs to make an impact in their community.
These groups help with a variety of special events the Zoo hosts, like Ice Cream Zoofari and ZooBoo. Assisting with activities, crafts, and serving food, these volunteers are part of the reason that these events are so memorable. Group volunteers help further the experience of these events by creating connections between the Zoo and the community. This program is a great way to get involved and have some fun while doing so.
Get Involved
You can be a part of the Zoo’s mission to inspire people to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife. These volunteer programs each run at different times throughout the year. If you or someone you know is interested in making an impact at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, apply today!
For more information on any of these programs, visit the Zoo’s website or contact volunteer@fcz.org.