Learning volunteers
Learning volunteers are recruited primarily for their communication skills and confidence in approaching visitors and interpreting the animal exhibits. The day includes a variety of tasks, all designed to enhance the visitors’ day out and stimulate interest and understanding of animals and conservation. This opportunity is available at either ZSL London Zoo or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Our next recruitment will take place between December 2008 and end February 2009.
A typical day's activities include:
- interpreting the animal exhibits, pro-actively chatting to visitors and answering their questions;
Other activities:
- presenting touch tables and display specimens (skulls, corals, wasp nest etc);
- running the craft centre, offering activities for children such as badge making;
- presenting snakes, snails and cockroaches to visitors (optional – ZSL London Zoo only)
- delivering the commentary on the Safari Bus (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo only);
- assisting with special events at Christmas and Halloween 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:
- Articulate and confident in approaching people
- Friendly, out-going and helpful
- Willing to learn
- Interested in animals and keen to communicate this interest
- Able to make a regular and reliable commitment.
Commitment
Taking up a learning volunteer placement requires a willingness to make a regular commitment of either one day per week (Mon - Fri), or one day per fortmight (Sat or Sun). We are looking for people who can offer a minimum of one year's volunteering, though many of our volunteers stay for 5, 10 years or more!
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 (48 KB) - Download: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Learning Volunteer application form (46 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 that we are unable to accept every offer of help.
3. Upon acceptance, the first four attendances are considered a probationary period, during which time you will be inducted into the role.
4. You will be required to attend a training session on Sat 7th March 09. Also on Sun 15th March 09 (LZ Vols) or 28 Feb 09 (WZ Vols) plus a 6-session evening class on the Animal Kingdom on a weekday in April/May.