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Learning volunteers
Learning volunteers are trained to cover a variety of activities, all designed to enhance the visitors’ day out and provide information on animals and conservation, through fun and educational activities.
We are not recruiting at present. Our next recruitment will take place in December 2008.
Typical activities include:
- live interpretation at the animal exhibits answering visitors’ questions, giving directions
- presenting touch tables and display specimens (skins, skulls etc) for public handling;
- running the craft centre, offering activities for children such as badge making;
- presenting snakes, snails and cockroaches to visitors (optional – ZSL London Zoo only)
- assisting with special events such as our annual day for disabled children, Christmas and Halloween activities etc
After further training, when you have proved you have a good knowledge of the Zoo, volunteers may be selected to staff the Information Kiosk where they provide information, give directions, and answer more detailed questions from visitors. Selected volunteers are also trained to lead guided tours.
We are looking for people who are:
- Friendly, helpful and welcoming
- Confident in approaching people and pro-actively engaging them in conversation
- Willing to learn
- Interested in animals and keen to communicate this interest
Applying for a learning volunteer placement
1. Complete an application form and return to the address given on the form
- Download:
ZSL London Zoo learning volunteer application form 2008 (14 KB) - Download: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo learning volunteer application form 2008 (14 KB)
2. If you are short-listed, you will be called in for interview in Jan-Feb. Please note, we are fortunate to receive many more applications than placements available, and regret to advise that we are unable to accept every offer of voluntary assistance.
3. Upon acceptance, the first four attendances at the Zoo are considered a probationary period.
4. On becoming a fully-fledged volunteer, we request you to attend some training sessions and then ask you to make a commitment to attend on a regular basis.
