The Little Rock Zoo Docents are a diverse group of men and women who have a special interest in animals and want to learn more about them and share the knowledge with others. They operate under the education department of the Little Rock Zoo to provide educational programming at the Zoo and the surrounding community.

The Little Rock Zoo Docent Council was established in 1975. The word 'docent' comes from the Latin word docere (to teach). The dictionary defines a docent as "a teacher, a guide, one who imparts knowledge, often unpaid." Basically a docent is a volunteer teacher, but that is just a part of what docents do.

The things Docents do include:

• Provide educational tours for visiting school classes and others from all over the state of Arkansas.
• Teach special animal related classes for children and adults.
• Give live animal demonstrations for Zoo visitors, civic groups, nursing homes, scout troops, school classes, visually and hearing impaired citizens, and many others. In addition, providing interesting information about these animals, all with a theme of conservation. These programs include:
• Creature Features - half-hour program, held on Zoo grounds, features Reptiles & small Mammals.
• Zoo Reach Programs - half-hour program, held off Zoo grounds, features Reptiles & small Mammals.
• Birds of Prey (B.O.P.) Programs - features a variety of native birds of prey, most often includes a flight display by a few birds.
• Assist with animal watches and participate in animal behavioral studies.

Would you like to be a Docent?

Anyone 18 years of age or over who has time to volunteer is an ideal candidate for docent training. Applicants must be able to attend training sessions for 9 weeks on Saturdays in the late winter or early fall. Applications are accepted at anytime, but training is offered only once per year. Formal applications, forms and information will be sent to the members on the list about 1 month prior to the training classes.

Docents receive 40 hours of specialized training so they will be able to give correct information about the Zoo and its animals. Training includes a general study of the animal kingdom including behavior, diets, health, adaptations and care. Trainees are also taught about the role of zoos, their history and philosophy and introduced to basic teaching methods.

The great things about being a Docent!

As a docent you'll become a member of the zoo family and learn first hand about the Zoo and its animals. Docents always have the inside scoop about what's going on at the Zoo. Being a docent is one of the few chances many of us will ever have to work around exotic animals. You will also have the opportunity to learn a great deal about wildlife and then share that knowledge with others. You'll be able to participate in and support the Zoo's education, conservation and research programs. The biggest plus is the feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing you are providing a service that will help make a difference in our world.

If you are interested in attending the next Zoo Docent Training Class or to receive information please contact the Zoo by Phone or Mail:

Phone: (501) 666-2406, Ext 124

Mail: Little Rock Zoo
#1 Jonesboro Dr
Little Rock, AR 72205

You can also contact us via e-mail. Be sure to include your age, day and home phone, mailing address and whether you want to volunteer on weekdays or weekends.