ZOO AMBASSADOR

GENERAL INFORMATION

All applications must be received at least 2 weeks before the for the next training module begins. Applications received after classes begin will be held and considered for the following module. Each of the three modules lasts four-five weeks and consist of Wednesday evening lectures followed by Saturday sessions in the zoo. To successfully complete training and volunteer as a Zoo Ambassador, participation in both Wednesday and Saturday classes is required, along with various homework assignments and quizzes
Click here for an application

RAINFOREST TRAINING MODULE

The noisiest area of the Zoo (due to some very vocal animals) houses most of our primates, including chimpanzees, baboons, gibbons, squirrel monkeys, and tamarins, along with tigers and other rainforest creatures. This training module is offered late March - April each year.

March 12, 2008: Applications due for Rainforest module.
(Note: volunteers who have completed one module do not need to reapply and are not required to attend Week 1 of subsequent modules.)

Week 1: Introduction to the Oakland Zoo
Wednesday, March 26 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, March 29 9:00am to 1:00pm

Week 2: Monkeys and Gibbons
Wednesday, April 2 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, April 5 9:00am to 1:00pm

Week 3: Chimpanzees
Wednesday, April 9 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, April 12 9:00am to 1:00pm

Week 4: Carnivores and Deer
Tuesday, April 16 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, April 19 9:00am to 1:00pm

Week 5: Birds and Reptiles
Wednesday, April 23 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, April 26 9:00am to 1:00pm

Final Exam: Saturday, May 3rd
For those who have completed all 3 Zoo Ambassador Training modules.

VALLEY CHILDREN'S ZOO TRAINING MODULE: October 2008

Featuring lemurs, fruit bats, giant tortoises, an invertebrate building, many reptiles and amphibians, along with various domestic animals and interactive elements for children. This facility is designed for visitors age 0-8, and quickly became the busiest area of the zoo after it opened in July 2005. This training module is offered in October-early November each year.

September 17, 2008: Applications due for Children’s Zoo module.

Week 1: Introduction to the Oakland Zoo
Wednesday, October 8 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, October 11 9:00am – 1:00pm

Week 2: Child Development and Special Events
Wednesday, October 15 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, October 18 9:00am – 1:00pm

Week 3: Invertebrates
Wednesday, October 22 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, October 25 9:30am – 1:30pm (note class time is shifted ½ hour)

Week 4: Reptiles and Amphibians
Wednesday, October 29 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, November 1 9:00am – 1:00pm

Week 5: Mammals
Wednesday, November 5 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, November 8 9:00am – 1:00pm

AFRICAN SAVANNAH TRAINING MODULE: January 2009

Home to our largest mammals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, gazelles, antelope, and camels, along with a large variety of birds and a small reptile collection. This training module is offered mid-January - February each year.