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. AAD’s regularly use up and down movements to reach animals in enclosures high up on shelves or lower to the floor.**

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.
**Please contact us if you are interested and able, but may need assistance with the physical aspects of this role. We will do our best to accommodate as we’re able.

• You cannot make a 7-month commitment to volunteering. You need to be able to be here on a regular basis with minimal time away. Those with lengthy vacations or conflicting work schedules will find this role difficult to commit to.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements: Able to reach up to shelves and bend down to take animals in and out of their enclosures
• Excellent spatial and environmental awareness
• Able to follow non-verbal cues
• 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.

• 12-16hrs/mo: Animal Ambassador Docents commit to a weekly shift from the time they start in March 2025 to Labor Day of the same year.
• AAD’s who are interested in continuing past Labor Day into the winter months may do so. Those who continue on will have the opportunity to expand their training and work with a wider variety of education animals.

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
  • Volunteer Software Basics (5-10min)
  • Zoonotic Disease Prevention (20min)
  • Empathy & Interpretation Basics (1hr)
  • Intro to Animal Welfare (1hr)
  • Volunteer Orientation (1-2hrs)
• In-Person
  • AAD Orientation (4hrs)
  • Regular practice & mentoring with staff and experienced AAD’s
• 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.