by Michelle Tuffile
Good day, my friends.
This is the first chronicle I will send to you about my experience at Roger Williams Park Zoo. One of the highlights of my week is volunteering at the zoo. A few years ago, I became a docent. (That is just a fancy word for a volunteer educator). I found out about the docent program at a dinner party for my husband’s work. I was so eager to participate in the program as I had recently became a stay-at-home mom after my fast-paced career at the wealth management firm.
My first day reporting to class was such a memorable event. It was so difficult to leave my baby girl, Cami, for a few hours with her grandparents as she was still so dependent on me, but I knew that I needed some time to myself. I parked my car at the rose garden and entered through the back gate. As I walked in through the gate entrance, a cheery little whistle welcomed me. I looked to the direction of this wonderful song and it was coming from a white-faced whistling duck. I turned to him and smiled and said, “Good Morning.” Just knowing that I was in the right place to talk to animals and no one would think I was crazy. I had a smile from ear to ear.
My nose knew I was walking by the flamingos before my eyes reached them. Flamingos always have a distinct scent. I can’t describe it. You have to experience it for yourself. Once you experience the scent, you know exactly what I mean. One of my fellow docents, Paula (you would know her if you saw her. She has short blond hair and is usually walking around with a wallaby named Vincent) has told me that she could be blindfolded at her home and driven to the zoo and she will know she is in front of the flamingos by the scent.
I completed the docent program through the winter, put my hours in and became an official docent. I got a uniform and a nametag. Now people would know that I worked there and was not some crazy woman that knew everything about the animals.
I go to the zoo every Wednesday afternoon while my parents watch my children. It is 5 years later, over 250 hours of volunteer time, 3 children, and I’m still enjoying the zoo. Many things have happened over the past five years, but I will tell you more about that in later chronicles.
I have gained more knowledge from my fellow docents than I could ever imagine. Their wisdom and experience is priceless. I have learned about animals, habitats, geography, biology, horticulture, and more. I never imagined I could have so much fun learning. Then, getting to share that knowledge with the public is so rewarding. The teacher always seems to learn more than the student. The learning and fun never ends.
Being a part of the zoo is an exciting part of my week. The zookeepers are always welcome to answer my questions or offer a friendly smile. The creativity of the education department is infinite! Watching the video of the baby giraffe’s birth is miraculous and tear jerking. Watching him nurse creates warm-fuzzies.
I’ve got to run for now, but will write more soon. I’ve got to go feed my baby giraffe.
