Volunteer Programs
What can you do, at the Jackson Zoo? You can be a Docent!
Adult Docents are volunteers who specialize in educating the public about the environment and the animals at the Zoo.
Junior Docents are trained to assist with animal care in the Discovery Zoo.
Also read about our CIT Program and ways you can volunteer at special events.
Adult Docents play an integral part in education programs that include: Animal Programs, Outreach/ZooMobile, Wild Classrooms and Zoo Camp. They also work Special Events, and often spear head Special Projects.
Don’t think you have the experience? NO WORRIES! We will train you!
Next training class will be accounced soon. Get your name on the new recruit list today!
For more information contact:
Jackson Zoo Education Department
601/352-2580 ext. 240
Junior Docents - Junior Docents are teen volunteers (13-17 years old) that are interested in volunteering during the summer. Duties include caring for education animals, educating guests, helping with summer camp, and more! Spaces in the Junior Docent program are limited. Applicants will be required to submit an application and participate in an interview. Those selected for the program will be required to attend training in May. If you are interested please e-mail your contact information to Anne Grinnan at agrinnan@jacksonzoo.org. Information packets with all of the materials needed to apply will be mailed to you in late March or early April.
Must volunteer a minimum of 8 hours PER MONTH.
Desired Qualities:
- Shows leadership skills among peers.
- Ability to work alone or in a group setting.
- Follows directions accurately and in a timely manner.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Interest in animal care and the environment (Experience in this area a plus.)
- A positive attitude.
- A willingness to work hard and get dirty!
Training Process:
- Complete 3 days (8 hours each day from 8am-5pm) of training classes.
- Pass the basic biology and identification test (at the end of training.)
- Pass the basic animal handling certification on at least 2 "beginner" animals.
- A 3 day group training session will be held during the last week of May after the school year ends. Individual training sessions can be scheduled during the school year. Call for more details.
The Junior Docent Application is under revision and will be available soon.
For more information, or to have an application mailed to you, contact the Jackson Zoo Education Department or phone: (601) 352-2586.
The events at the Jackson Zoo would not be possible without the hard work of many dedicated volunteers. From the people who help with the celebrity scoopers at Ice Cream Safari, and the ones who dress up as not so scary "monsters" and help us make Boo at the Zoo fun. Everyone who put in their valuable free time are important to us we want them to know…"We couldn’t do it without you!"
If you are interested in becoming an event volunteer, contact the Zoo’s marketing department or the Special Events Coordinator.
Coming Soon!