Sandy Caldwell began volunteering as a Tennessee Aquarium docent nearly 21 years ago. Today, she serves as Sous Chef to porcupine fish, giant stingrays, toothy sharks, and other inhabitants of the Ocean Journey building. Caldwell has logged more than 4,000 hours as an Aquarium volunteer.
“The best thing about volunteering here is being around the people,” said Caldwell. “I’ve really enjoyed learning new things and interacting with visitors and the other volunteers.”
Bill Sesko joined the Aquarium team as a volunteer docent nearly 10 years ago. Since then, he’s devoted more than 2,100 hours of his time to helping guests get the most out of their visits by sharing fascinating facts about the animals and exhibits. “I really have a lot of fun working in the Butterfly Garden and the Stingray Bay touchtank,” said Sesko. “I enjoy meeting people from all over, answering their questions and engaging folks who look like they have a question about what they’re seeing.”
“We really appreciate long-time volunteers like Bill and Sandy. They keep coming back because it’s fun and rewarding,” said Chris Bowman, the Aquarium’s volunteer manager. “But with two buildings full of plants and animals, we have a continuous need for more help.”
Currently, the Aquarium needs docents and Wet Lab volunteers.
Docent applications are due by February 10. An eight week training course begins on February 25 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Volunteers must have access to a computer and commit to volunteering once a week from 9:30-2:00 p.m. or 1:30-6:00 pm. Weekend volunteers are especially needed.
Wet Lab volunteers are responsible for preparing animal diets and caring for various animals used in education programs. These volunteers are required to be able to lift 25 pounds as well as bend and kneel on the floor. Wet Lab volunteers are needed once a week from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday.
More information about volunteering at the Tennessee Aquarium is available by calling (423) 785-3057.
Source: Tennesse Aquarium