Brooklyn, N.Y. – May 4, 2011- The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium is looking for dedicated marine animal lovers to join its team of volunteer docents. The aquarium’s docent program is made possible in part through the generous support of National Grid – part of a multiyear commitment to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s education programs.
Becoming a docent within the aquarium’s education department means enlightening schoolchildren and aquarium visitors about animals and helping aquarium instructors with a variety of exciting wildlife-themed activities.
Docents will work with a team of animal enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their knowledge with others while supporting the Wildlife Conservation Society’s mission to save wildlife and wild places around the globe.
Responsibilities of a New York Aquarium docent include:
For more information, call 718-265-3450 or visit www.nyaquarium.com and click “Help Wildlife.” Applications are accepted once a year. The docent program is open to individuals 15 years and older and is very competitive.
In addition to the docent program at the aquarium, as part of National Grid’s Engineering Our Future Initiative to encourage young people to study science, technology, engineering and math, the company generously supports Conservation Math, a suite of education programs at WCS’s New York Aquarium, as well as WCS’s Prospect Park and Queens Zoos.
New York City Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. is another supporter of the aquarium’s docent program.
“I’m proud to support the docent program at the New York Aquarium,” said Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. “It’s a fantastic experience that engages the youth in our community in a hands-on, world class environment. There’s no better way to learn, especially for children who want to pursue a career in science or wildlife care.”
Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium opens every day of the year at 10am, and closing times vary seasonally. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 3-12 and $11.95 for senior citizens (65 and older); children under 3 years of age are admitted free. Fridays after 3pm, admission is by suggested donation. The Aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other Aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our website at http://www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the New York Aquarium, Brooklyn's most heavily attended attraction and a beloved part of the City of New York.
National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a Web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to wcs.org.
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