Herpetology assistants have the rare opportunity to work with neo-tropical frogs and lizards in the Upland Rain Forest and Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes exhibits.
Assistants design and create live terrariums, feed frogs and lizards, and maintain food colonies. Other important services include animal observation and maintenance of exhibit and off-exhibit animal rooms.
Requirements
A basic knowledge of the care of reptiles and amphibians and a willingness to read and learn is valuable. Similarly, shop skills are desirable but not essential. Volunteers are:
- at least 18 years of age and out of high school
- willing to work in a hot, humid environment
- able to handle small, delicate frogs, lizards, and live food
- enthusiastic about caring for reptiles and amphibians
- and capable of lifting 35 lb. frog terrariums.
Training and Commitment
After successful completion of training classes, apprenticeships under a staff herpetologist, and a written test, volunteers work a minimum of one 4-hour shift every other week for at least a year.
Morning and some afternoon shifts are available 7 days per week, although weekend shifts are often filled by more experienced volunteers.
