Turtle Back Zoo Seeking Volunteers in 2014

Volunteers are being recruited for the 2014 Docent Class at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, according to the office of Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo.

Docents are volunteer educators who give informational talks, act as tour guides and are stationed throughout the Zoo to provide information to visitors about the Zoo and its animal collection. 

“Our Docents help every visitor have an enjoyable and memorable experience at our zoo," DiVincenzo said in a release. "Whether walking through our zoo grounds or making presentations in schools or at community events, our Docents are volunteer ambassadors who share their love and knowledge about animals and their habitats, and encourage the public to have respect for the environment.

This is a highly selective volunteer position and training is required, according to DiVincenzo.

"If you love animals, we encourage you to attend the training course and become a Turtle Back Zoo Docent," Divincenzo said.

New Docents must be at least 18 years old and complete a six-week training course instructed by experienced TBZ staff. Training will begin on Sunday, Feb. 16 and continue through the end of March. There is a non-refundable fee of $25 which covers training materials and handouts.

If interested, please contact the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator at tbzdocents@yahoo.com or call 973-731-5800, ext. 306.