With over 300 dedicated volunteers from the Perth Zoo Docent Association, these passionate individuals create meaningful experiences for every visitor who walks through our gates. 

They’re the smiling faces who greet you with a map and a warm welcome, but their contribution goes far beyond that. From conducting Zebra Car and Walking Tours, to sharing stories about our animals and conservation programs supporting saving wildlife, Docents are at the heart of what we do. 

They even roll up their sleeves behind the scenes, helping prepare enrichment for our animals. One particularly unique and important task involves harvesting termites for our numbats. Docents tap wooden drums to coax termites into a collection dish – an essential part of the Zoo’s Native Species Breeding Program as each numbat eats up to 20,000 termites a day! 

One of those dedicated volunteers is Jenny, who has been a Perth Zoo Docent for more than 10 years. During summer, she arrives as early as 7am to begin harvesting termites, a quiet but crucial job that helps feed our numbats and support their conservation. 

To date, more than 294 Numbats have been bred and released. We certainly couldn’t achieve this important conservation goal without the support of our wonderful Docents. 


Pictured above: Jenny harvesting termites with our Science Program Leader Harriet.

Enrichment is vital for every animal at the Zoo. Our dedicated docents help keep the animals mentally stimulated and engaged by creative activities. As Docent Terry shares, "The best part of it all is watching the animals use their natural instincts to discover the enrichment, and the enjoyment they get out of destroying what I make." In the video below, Terry explains how these enrichment efforts boost animal welfare and why it’s such a rewarding part of volunteering at the Zoo.



Last financial year alone, Docents collectively contributed 44,470 hours of volunteering which equals just over five years’ worth of time! We are so grateful for their time, expertise and passion.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we asked staff from around the Zoo to send some love to the Docents. Here's what they had to say⬇️

Next time you visit the Zoo, keep an eye out for our volunteers in white. Stop for a chat, they love sharing their knowledge and passion and they’re here to help make the most of your Zoo experience. 

To all our Perth Zoo Docents –  THANK YOU, not just today but every day! We are so fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated volunteers. The Zoo simply wouldn’t be the same without you.💚