Nashville Zoo is hosting an open house for prospective docents on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. in the Zoo’s Croft Center. Docents are specialized volunteers committed to educating the public about the Zoo's animals through the use of fossils, live animals and other hands-on materials.

“The docent program at Nashville Zoo focuses on getting our guests excited about conservation and our natural world,” said Chris Kline, the Zoo’s manager of onsite interpretation. “There is no greater feedback than watching children’s reaction to a snake, ostrich egg and macaw feathers during a docent presentation.”

Docents must volunteer a minimum of 70 hours each year, attend at least four of the six training classes beginning Feb. 11 and pay a one-time fee of $60 for uniform and training materials. Interested parties should contact Chris Kline, manager of onsite interpretation at 615-833-1534 ext. 146 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Docent applications are available at www.nashvillezoo.org.

Nashville Zoo is accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums, assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization located at 3777 Nolensville Pike and is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  The mission of Nashville Zoo is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership.  For more information about Nashville Zoo, call 615-833-1534 or visit www.nashvillezoo.org.

Contact:  Jim Bartoo

(615) 833-1534 ext. 126

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