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Prospect Park Zoo Volunteers
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©WCS/S.Bolduc |
Meet Joe Ciccone
“Wildlife is important to our survival as a species, and getting that point across to the public is absolutely necessary in our urban environment, where nature issues can be lost in the noise of civilization.”—Joe C., Prospect Park Zoo Volunteer since 1992
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Favorite area: The Discovery Trail! This woodland walk features red pandas, porcupines, and kangaroos, which Joe points out to visitors on guided tours. His favorite time to tour is morning, when the animals are most active.
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Favorite volunteer activities: Narrating the sea lion demonstrations and hosting live animal demos for zoo-goers.
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Why he volunteers: The zoo’s a rewarding place for an animal-lover like Joe, who has kept pets all his life. He is a retired New York City schoolteacher, and enjoys educating and sharing information with the public, especially children. And of course, he feels good doing his part to help conserve wildlife.
Volunteer Opportunities
Discovery Guides
Are you a teen interested in wildlife? Then consider becoming a Prospect Park Zoo Discovery Guide! Teen volunteers help to maintain a friendly atmosphere for zoo visitors by staffing exhibit areas, assisting with special events, and talking to the public. Zoo internships can satisfy school community service hours, be applied toward school credit (check with your school), provide an introduction to careers in the animal field, or be a satisfying part of a summer vacation.
Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation, and have completed a highschool-level biology, wildlife, or environmental science course. Summer applicants are advised to apply well in advance, as the program is quite competitive. Contact Debbie Dieneman at 718-399-7324 or email ddieneman@wcs.org.
Discovery Guide Application
Education Docents
Prospect Park Zoo is looking for dedicated volunteers who are willing to become Zoo Docents. As a volunteer educator, your level of commitment to the zoo is much greater than that of a seasonal volunteer. Those who are accepted into the program will attend weekly training sessions for approximately four months. Session topics will include conservation, biology, and informal learning. Once you have successfully completed training, you’ll be ready to give tours, manage discovery stations throughout the zoo, and help with special events. Applicants with backgrounds in science and/or education are encouraged to apply, but those with an interest in animals are needed as well. If you would like to begin volunteering before docent training begins in order to get a feel of the place and become familiar with our animals and staff, please let us know. Contact Karen Tingley at 718-399-7322 or ktingley@wcs.org.
Zoo Docent Application
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