According to Haberman, previous experience is not needed to become a part of Docent. Jamalee Clark, who has been a Docent since 1994 and is currently serving as the group's president, says she enjoys that mixture. We always love to share any of the new animals here with the community. The Docent program is a non-profit organization which receives its funding through grants. This means the more volunteers from the community, the more funding the zoo can receive for the program.
Many foundations are willing to give to zoos and societies.
Not only does becoming a Docent volunteer help the zoo to keep expanding on ways to educate, those involved can receive extra benefits as well. According to Haberman, volunteers who put in about 40 hours a year, will automatically become a member of the Riverside Zoo. Clark encourages the community to join the Docent. Docent is a lot of fun because it's never boring. Anyone who is interested in joining the Docent or the Zoo Pals family, can contact Heather Haberman at the Riverside Zoo at 630-6236 extension 14 to receive free training.