Last night, the Natural Science Center began training the newest round of volunteers to become docents in Animal Discovery. After volunteers checked in, an introductory speech was given by Kimberly Clark, a full-time zookeeper. She explained that the role of docents is to facilitate fun and interesting interactions between animal and guest in a safe and non-stressing environment. This training class, while unable to cover every aspect and scenario in volunteer work, provides an excellent foundation for filling the role of a docent.
Following this, the volunteers split into two groups. Kim covered Discovery House, talking about each animal and taking out the ones that visitors can interact with directly, along with covering some of the specific docent procedures. Peggy Ferebee, curator of birds and mammals, took the other half of the group outside and throughout the zoo. She gave an overview of the zoo and spent some time at each docent station – Friendly Farm, Discovery House, Wallaby Walkthrough, and the maned wolf and tiger exhibits. After a break for drinks and snacks, the two groups switched.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this week's training due to camera malfunctions. Hopefully I can get back into technology's good graces before next Tuesday, when the docents-in-training will be introduced to the sea lab and herpetology lab!
-Trent
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