Zoo Ed Volunteers

The Zoo Educator program is a year-round, long-term volunteer opportunity for adults, ages 18 and above, who have great people skills and a deep love of animals, nature, and conservation.

Zoo Eds provide informal, spontaneous interactions,  including

  • Talking with Zoo visitors in front of exhibits
  • Assisting with activity and biofact tables (biofacts are hides, skulls, or related items)
  • Demonstrating live animals in open areas or near exhibits
  • Off-grounds activities at community events, etc.

Zoo Eds also provide a variety of educational programs, both on and off zoo grounds. 

  • Programs may be planned, following structured curricula, such as:
    • On-grounds programs for school and assorted youth groups, centered around specific topics
    • Scripted interpretive programs at key exhibits
    • Structured animal demonstrations for Saturday Zoo School or Camp sessions, or the evening Zoo Snoozin’ program
    • Off-grounds programs for youth and community groups

All our education opportunities reinforce a love and respect for animals and nature, and our role as responsible stewards for our fragile world.

Training

Zoo Eds must complete a half-day orientation and series of 11 training sessions that cover every area of the Zoo.  Training is provided by department staff and includes information about our exhibits, our animals and our unique heritage,  as well as teaching and communication techniques.  Zoo Eds may also receive specialized animal handling training and trainings for specific programs and opportunities.

Time Commitment

Zoo Eds are required to:

  • Give at least eighteen (18) hours of education service every 3 months
  • Attend at least six (6) Zoo Ed Meetings per year.     The Zoo Ed Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Complete 10 hours of continuing education per year. 

The program is designed to have structure and yet remain somewhat flexible. If you have questions or conflicts with any of these expectations please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 419-385-5721, ext. 2045, or emailus at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Exhibit Guide Program

The Exhibit Guide Program supports the Zoo’s educational and interpretive needs in specific areas within the Zoo.   Exhibit Guides will be needed from April – September and will perform a variety of functions,  including, but not limited to:

  • Educating the public about our animals, including:  the biology and life cycle of these animals; conservation issues, including an emphasis on everyday ways that people can help; and related topics.
  • Supporting various features of the Nature’s Neighborhood exhibit, including the contact yard, workshop, stream and other interactive areas.
  • Answering visitor questions and addressing any other visitor needs.
  • Maintaining a flow of visitors through the exhibits in a timely and friendly manner,
  • Monitoring the behavior of the viewing public to ensure the safety of the animals and the visitors as well as promote a positive viewing experience for everyone.

Training

Exhibit Guides will receive an orientation covering general Zoo policies, as well as the benefits of volunteering at the Toledo Zoo. In addition, Exhibit Guides will attend a comprehensive training program identifying the major topics of importance related to the exhibit(s) they will assist with, as well as a walk-through of the exhibits.  Finally, Exhibit Guides will receive basic training on interpretive programming and informal public interaction.  These training sessions will be offered throughout March and April, with both weekday and weekend offerings.

Time Commitment

Exhibit Guides are required to:

  • Complete the required training program.
  • Give at least forty (40) hours of service,  including the training process, between March 1 and September 30.
  • Schedule volunteer time in advance in the Program Scheduling Notebook.
  • Inform the Volunteer Department if you can not make a scheduled shift.

Thank you for your interest in the Zoo’s Summer Naturalist Program!
We look forward to seeing you around the Zoo!

Download a Volunteer Application

Please note: We do not allow job shadowing opportunties in any of our animal departments due to the dangerous nature of the positions and the large volume of requests.