Raptor Ambassador Program Docents Wanted

The new Raptor Ambassador Program (RAP) will be unveiled soon! In the June WNS newsletter, you’ll be able to read about the goals for the program, and be introduced to our 5 new birds (for a total of 7 in the program), including their names, species, and circumstance. In the meantime, there is a lot of behind the scenes activity going on, including cage renovations, bird training, and docent training.

WNS is currently seeking applicants who wish to train as raptor docents. There is no experience necessary to apply. However, certain criteria must be met. Docents must complete a 12 week docent class, and commit at least 4 hours a week to the program. Docents must have time in their schedules to care for the birds, and to use them in education programs. A total of five new docents will be accepted into the program this year, joining the five docents we currently have.

Since these docents will need to be highly specialized in their ability to care for and handle our raptors and use them in education programs, the chosen applicants will be required to take a 12 week class of intensive training on raptor care and handling. The class will be taught at WWNP by Lauren Preske, RAP Manager. The docent class will meet approximately once per week (day and time to be determined based on the schedules of the chosen applicants), then additional time will need to be spent by each docent intern to practice the skills taught in class.

The training will initially involve observation, learning techniques of care and handling, feeding, and cleaning cages. Once interns show competent skills, training will progress to include handling of the birds, then to giving educational programs with them. Docent interns should expect to invest 3-6 months before giving education programs with the birds.

The docent class will begin in June (date to be determined), and applications will be taken in May. If you are interested, please contact Lauren Preske at lpreske@wesselmannaturesociety.org and she will put you on a list of people to contact when the application process begins mid-May.