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Volunteers Help Make the Zoo World Go Around!!
Do you have some time on your hands and want to help a worthy cause? The Dakota Zoo is always looking for enthusiastic, energetic volunteers to give their time and talents. The Docent, Junior Docent, or Venturer groups educate Zoo visitors about animals and nature. The Dakota Zoo Crew helps with office projects, plant and maintain flower beds, rake leaves, builds fences, or help make our many special events a success. The Zoo relies heavily on the volunteer efforts of many generous people. Volunteering is simple, fun, and the hours are flexible. Contact us for more information (subject should be Volunteers).
Dakota Zoo Docents
Our
dedicated group of Docents is comprised of men and women, ages 18 and above,
whom assist with the educational programs and events at the Zoo. Animal
hands-on, developing and/or presenting PowerPoint programs and helping with
special events which raise funds for our educational programs are just some
of the areas in which docents can be of assistance. They are required to
be a current Dakota Zoo member and complete a training program which prepares
them for educating Zoo visitors about animals and nature. The Docents meet
the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Zoo. Feel free to attend
a meeting and see what it’s all about.
Junior Docents
This
group of energetic kids, ages 12 and 13, learn to educate Zoo visitors about
animals, help with the upkeep of the grounds, build animal enrichment gadgets
and do other fun things such as face-painting and bake sales. They are required
to be a current Dakota Zoo member and complete a training program which
prepares them for educating Zoo visitors about animals and nature. The donations
received through their fundraising activities are put directly back into
the Zoo and have been used to provide informational display cases, 
multi-media
equipment, and other educational supplies. Because this popular program
fills up very fast, kids need to call the zoo as soon as they turn age 11.
Please don’t be discouraged if the program is full. Due to the overwhelming
interest in becoming a part of this group, expect to be put on a waiting
list.
Venturers
Do you like adventure, camping, challenges? Thinking about becoming a zookeeper, veterinarian or some other career working with animals? Then this may be just the group for you. Associated with the Boy Scouts of America, this program is designed for young adults both male and female, ages 14
through
20, who have a special interest in animals and nature. They are required
to be a current Dakota Zoo member and complete a training program which
prepares them for educating Zoo visitors about animals and nature. This
active group is primarily led by youth volunteers along with adult advisors.
They develop leadership abilities while enjoying nature and the great outdoors.
Activities include bird watching trips, nature hikes, wilderness camping,
visits to other zoos, fundraising, work projects at the Zoo, and working
directly with zookeepers. This group meets on the first Tuesday of each
month at 6:30 p.m. at the Zoo. Feel free to attend a meeting to see what
it’s all about.