The Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo’s annual Docent Training Series is a rich learning experience which prepares participants to guide Zoo visitors of all ages.  The training takes place on six Wednesdays  9 am – 12 noon at the Zoo  from  February 13 to March 19.

Topics included the history of the Pana`ewa Zoo; functions of a zoo; animal groups and characteristics: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians; rainforests; endangered species; plants in the zoo; behind the scenes service areas; tips and techniques for leading tours. Part of each training session was spent in the classroom and the rest on the Zoo grounds.

Trainers included the Zoo Director, George Saito, Friends of the Pana`ewa Zoo President, Jean Curtis, various Zoo staff in their areas of expertise, and experienced Zoo volunteers with many different areas of specialization.

Docents are volunteer tour guides.  Through this Docent Training Program, the Zoo prepares volunteers to lead school tours, provide information to zoo visitors on an informal basis, and visit school classrooms.

Those who enrolled in the Docent Training paid $40 for the six-session course.  This fee included a one-year membership in the Friends of the Zoo, course materials, and light refreshments at the training sessions.

The Zoo asks Docent Trainees to make a one-year commitment to the Zoo, volunteering at least once a week to guide Zoo visitors or to assist with various Zoo projects and events.

This popular training is offered just once a year and enrollment is capped at 25 participants.