If you are an adult that adores animals and people, this is the right program for you! Upon successful completion of one year of service, ambassadors are encouraged to apply to the Docent council. Volunteer Ambassadors help with the following areas.
- Conservation Stations One of the primary goals of the Volunteer Ambassadors is to provide guests who visit the Zoo with action steps, or things they can do to help conservation. Volunteer Ambassadors highlight the zoo's global conservation projects through Conservation Stations that are setup with educational interactive props. Topics covered may include: connecting people with nature, sustainable living, wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.
- Backyard Wildlife Habitat Volunteer Ambassadors connect with nature in My Wild Backyard, a certified backyard habitat designed to show Zoo guests how to make their own yards more welcoming to the native animals in their areas. Volunteer Ambassadors show how to transplant native plant species, build compost bins and demonstrate how to provide food, water and shelter. Ambassadors may use a field guide to identify plans with adults or use a puppet to attract younger visitors.
- Zoo-wide Interpretation Volunteer Ambassadors staff Exploration Stations strategically located throughout the Zoo. Each station is equipped with interactive activities relating to a specific animal and its conservation. Volunteer Ambassadors encourage visitors to participate and ask questions that will increase their knowledge of the animals in the Zoo.
- Special Events and Field Trips Volunteer Ambassadors will assist with activities during conservation education special events throughout the year.
- Animal Trail Interpretation (May-September) Volunteer Ambassadors help staff the tortoise exhibit, teaching the public about the adaptations of these giant animals while monitoring their behavior. Volunteer Ambassadors may also help staff the barrier-free primate exhibits, monitoring the interaction between the visitors and the animals.
New Volunteer Ambassador training sessions are done on a rolling admission throughout the year. Volunteer Ambassadors must be available two 4 hour shifts a month or you can always do more! If you have additional questions, please send e-mail to volunteer@phillyzoo.org.