What are Docents?

Perth Zoo’s volunteers are called ‘Docents’ – which is derived from the latin docere, meaning ‘to teach’. Docents belong to a separately incorporated organisation which is a significant and valued partner to the Zoo – the Perth Zoo Docent Association (Inc).

What Docents Do

Docents (over 18 years) come to the Zoo a minimum of one day per fortnight to ensure Zoo visitors have a great day. They provide the "unexpected" — informal talks about animals, Zebra Car tours, walking tours, assistance with directions and information on keeper talks and feed times. Docents become especially skilled in "edu-tainment" — combining education and entertainment to promote the Zoo's conservation mission.

Docents are people who love animals but primarily people who love people. This is an important distinction because Docents do not get to work closely with the animals. If you are looking for voluntary work where you will have a regular contact or can feed animals and clean exhibits — then becoming a Docent will not give you the job satisfaction you desire.  

No Pay, No Perks?

Becoming a Docent is a no pay job but it is definitely not a no perks job.

You will work in the fantastic Zoo environment, have access to a varied social life with dynamic people, gain as much knowledge as you want and develop both professional and personal skills. Zoo visitors will appreciate you and most importantly the animals will benefit from your work. There are regular HIGHLIGHTS such as very special opportunities to help out on behind-the-scenes, at events, at children’s activities and closely watching animals for behavioural studies. You can become as involved (or not) as suits you.

Where do I sign on?

The Perth Zoo Docent Association recruits for new adult volunteers once a year (approx March/April). This is because of the intensive, in-depth training program which is offered to all new recruits as a compulsory part of becoming a Docent. We may not be able to accept you as a volunteer immediately you apply but you will be invited to the next annual information morning where you hear more about what being a Docent means. After that is an interview (we get so many applicants we cannot accept everyone) and then successful new recruits go into the ten-week (Saturdays and the occasional evening) training program before graduating mid-year.

Docent Information Brochure

Docent Application Form (pdf version) 

Docent Application Form (word version)

Download a Docent Application Form, print it out and fill it in and then post it to:

Visitor Services Officer
Perth Zoo
PO Box 489
South Perth WA 6151

If you have questions that the brochure cannot answer, please contact the Visitor Services Officer on (08) 9474 0360, email us with your specific questions or fill out the form below.

I'm under 18, can I still be a Docent?

No, I'm sorry. Perth Zoo's unique environment (quarantine facility, A-Class reserve and a site including dangerous animals) means that you need to be over-18 to work or volunteer here.  But we would love to hear from you once you have turned 18.  In the meantime you might like to book in for one of our special animal related workshops like WILD ABOUT ANIMALS (10-14 year olds), or INTO WILDLIFE (15-18 year olds).