Animal Ambassador Docent

AAD’s are required to be flexible in a variety of different spaces. Programs on grounds are held in our outdoor Education Pavilion, inside the Discovery Center or within our Guest Services Center. Offsite programs can include spaces such as classrooms, community centers, and even outdoor tables. Volume levels can vary during presentations depending on the size of the group.

This role involves working hands-on with invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and is not suitable for those with phobias or anxiety surrounding animals. This role also presents to groups ranging in size from 5 to over 100, and may not be suitable for those with social anxiety.

*This role is currently available to individuals only. Those working with a direct service professional will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• You cannot make a 16-month commitment to volunteering. Although AAD’s commit to one year, many new volunteers forget to plan for the prerequisite hours needed in the summer preceding orientation. You need to be able to be here on a regular basis with minimal time away.
• You are hoping to handle any kind of dangerous animals. We want our AAD’s to stay safe and healthy, and will not be going anywhere near our dangerous animals.
• You’re looking for a shortcut. Even if you have an animal care background, you will still be expected to go through the trainings and adhere to safety rules along with every other volunteer. There are no shortcuts.
• You want to cuddle animals. The AAD volunteer program is concerned with teaching guests about conservation, and animal behavior and welfare. If you’re looking to cuddle animals, the Dane County Humane Society has some excellent opportunities for you!

• 18+ by the time of the orientation
• Must be able to attend the fall orientation: October 5th, 2024
• Able to commit to one year of service between October 2024-2025.
• Able to follow animal-handling policies and procedures as set by the Henry Vilas Zoo Education Department.
• Friendly and engaging personality
• Able to confidently present relevant/approved animal information to large groups (up to 100 people) and one-on-one
• Dependable. As the department is self-funded through public programs, we depend on our volunteers to be present and ready. When you are scheduled for a presentation, we are counting on you to be there.

• Gate Greeting – All AAD’s start their first year off with three Gate Greeting shifts. This is to help AAD’s get familiar with volunteering, using the radio and working with guests before they venture out into the Zoo.
• Wildlife Champion – Prospective AAD’s must complete at least 20hrs of Wildlife Champion shifts before the October orientation. This will start all AAD’s off with a very firm foundation in guest services, conservation education, empathy and interpretation before handling live animals.

• 12-16hrs/mo: Animal Ambassador Docents commit to a weekly shift from the time they start in October 2024 to the following October 2025

• AAD’s spend the winter months training and shadowing with HVZ staff and AAD Day Captains. In the springtime things ramp up quickly in April as end-of-the-year fieldtrips and Zoo-to-You requests come pouring in. Summer is filled with weekly onsite and event opportunities. Summer is also the time when returning AAD’s assist in mentoring and training new 2024 Wildlife Champion volunteers.

All of these trainings are available as refreshers at any point upon request. Optional trainings allow you to try out other roles as shifts become available. They do not add to your minimum requirements (i.e. training in on another role doesn’t require you to add another set of weekly shifts). Training spots are limited; however, we will schedule more throughout the summer as interest and time allows.

• Online
  • Radio Training (40-50min)
  • Volunteer Expectations (15-20min)
  • Intro to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (20min)
  • Volunteer Software Basics (5-10min)
  • Empathy & Interpretation Basics (1hr)
  • Zoonotic Disease Prevention (20min)
  • Intro to Animal Welfare (1hr)
• In-Person
  • Onsite orientation (1hr) – Meet other volunteers, and HVZ Staff, guided Zoo tour, radio practice
  • Wildlife Champion shadowing & practice (2-2.5hrs)
  • AAD Orientation (4hrs)
  • Regular practice & mentoring with staff and experienced Mentor Docents
• Optional
  • Henry the Lion/Handler – (Must be at least 14+) – Learn how to tell a story, don the lion/handler costume and get practice in costume on grounds
  • Train/Carousel – (Must be at least 18+) – Basic ride operation, safety protocols and guest training
  • Goat Yard – (Must be at least 10-13 w/ parent/guardian, or 14+) – Learn to open & close, operate and educate at the goat yard

While the time commitment for this role is weekly for a year, we also recognize that we are working with human beings who have lives, families, etc.

In the event that a volunteer is unable to make it in for any reason, the volunteer is responsible for scheduling a make-up date.

In the event that HVZ cancels a program for any reason, we will contact our AAD’s to make other plans. This will count as an excused absence and the volunteer will not be required to make it up.