2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the docent program at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
As a Zoo Member, you have likely encountered many docents during your visits. In order to help our guests understand the importance of the Zoo, these volunteers (with the red shirts) complete extensive training in all regions of the Zoo and connect with the animals in our care.
We are extremely fortunate to have a large team of passionate and knowledgeable volunteers in our Conservation Education and Engagement Department. As we take a look at how it all started and how it’s going now, we are pleased to highlight Jeana Price, who has celebrated close to 50 years of service as a docent.
Then
How It Began
The seed was planted in 1970 when Judy Birkey, a newcomer to Columbus, presented the idea for a volunteer organization to Zoo Director Dr. James Savoy. Judy had volunteered in a similar organization at the San Francisco Zoo and must have been persuasive; the first docent training class was held in April 1971, with 25 charter members.
Docent Roles
Judy was appointed Curator of the Columbus Zoo’s first Education Department, which was comprised only of docents. Initially, their responsibility was leading tours for school children. Their duties quickly expanded to conducting puppet shows, riding on the tour train, assisting in the gift shop, selling animal food at the Children’s Zoo, and marching in the kazoo band!
“Some things we tried worked; others not so much,” Jeana reminisced. “But what continued throughout and is still observed in every new class of volunteers are the camaraderie, enthusiasm and compassion.”
Dress Code
Since no men applied for the docent program, the earliest dress code required navy blue or black skirts, white blouses, red blazers, and flat black shoes. When men finally did join the organization, the dress code was amended to include slacks. Women also wore slacks if volunteering in behind-the-scenes areas.
Most Common Question
“Where are the restrooms?” The first docent training manual listed every Zoo bathroom—all four of them.
NOW
How It’s Going
Our docent team consists of 247 docents, 335 adult volunteers, 209 teen volunteers, and 32 volunteer divers. Jeana marvels at the growth of the Zoo over the past years.
“The sheer size of the Zoo now is incredible with over 250 developed acres for more than 10,000 animals, compared to 36 acres with 3,827 animals!”
Docent Roles
Docents are still a very important part of our Zoo team. These dedicated volunteers love to engage with our guests throughout the many Zoo regions. Docents tell the stories of the animals in our care and inspire curiosity among Zoo visitors. Docents can lead tours, mentor other docents, help to prepare animal diets and assist Animal Care with animal watches.
“No longer is it just enough to feed and clean up animals for exhibit. Now it’s urgently growing science and awareness, of which I am ever grateful to be a part,” Jeana said.
Dress Code
The current Volunteer Appearance Policy now includes just a brief mention: When volunteering, volunteers must wear a volunteer shirt, khaki pants, shorts or skirt and closed toe, closed heel shoes.
Most Common Question
“Where are the restrooms?” Today, there are 19 restrooms around the Zoo! Docents know the importance of caring for our guests’ most basic needs before they can foster a connection to animals and tell the extremely important wildlife conservation stories.
Touching the Heart to Teach the Mind
We are extremely grateful for our Docents and their passion for sharing their love of the animals with everyone they encounter. Over the past 50 years, they have connected millions of visitors to wildlife and conservation...Perhaps you were one of those people. The next time you are at the Zoo, please be sure to join us in thanking our incredible volunteers!
