The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary is looking for volunteers to join its docent training program, a six-week course that prepares community members to lead school tours and help with zoo activities.
The city of Folsom announced the recruitment Oct. 26. Training covers animal knowledge and tour leadership skills, according to the announcement.
The program runs Mondays from Feb. 8 through March 15, 2027, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, according to the city's registration system. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
The city's Oct. 26 announcement lists a $40 fee including materials, while the registration system and the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary volunteer page both list the cost at $49. Residents should confirm the current fee before registering.
Before signing up, prospective docents must attend a required information session. A spot in the program is not guaranteed, according to the registration page. Interested residents can email [email protected] to be added to the information session list.
Docent requirements include completing the training course, passing a background check and submitting a volunteer application, according to the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. Beyond leading tours, docents can also participate in outreach presentations, classes and events.
The zoo sanctuary, at 403 Stafford Street in Folsom, has operated since 1963 and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors a year, according to the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. It houses close to 100 animals, ranging from squirrels and deer to bobcats and bears.
For questions about the docent program, residents can contact Sue Bean at 916-715-8610 or email [email protected].
