Volunteers who support educational and outreach activities at Ueno Zoo

Ueno Zoo conducts various educational outreach activities, such as events, guided tours, and school programs, to help visitors learn about animals in an enjoyable way.

The Education and Outreach Section is at the heart of these activities, but it's not easy to deliver learning and discoveries to a large number of visitors within a limited time.

A major force in this regard is the Tokyo Zoological Park Volunteers (TZV), who work within the zoo.

TZV has two groups: the "Docent Group (DG)" which is in charge of explaining the animals, and the "Service Guide (SG)" which is in charge of guiding visitors. At Ueno Zoo, members of both groups are active almost every day, except on days when the zoo is closed.

A look at DG's animal demonstration.
(Photo taken on May 28, 2026)

Docent Group (DG)

The Docent Group conducts a variety of unique events, including "animal demonstration" for each animal. Through these events, they observe the animals together with visitors, sharing perspectives that can lead to new discoveries.

For example, by observing animals through questions like, "What shape are their feet?", "How do their ears move?", and "What kind of behavior do they exhibit?", you can make discoveries you hadn't noticed before, and gain insight into the animal's lifestyle, physical characteristics, and the strategies they use to survive.

The members of the Docent Group use quizzes, bingo, and other methods to guide visitors' observations, providing opportunities for their "why?" questions to transform into "aha!" moments of surprise and interest.

SG's stamp campaign in progress
(Photo taken on May 26, 2026)

Service Guide (SG)

Our service guides provide guidance and directions to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the park safely and with peace of mind. Their activities are diverse, including offering assistance to those in need, providing facility information, and supporting events.

Ueno Zoo receives many visitors from overseas, and our staff members who are proficient in languages provide guidance in English and other foreign languages, and they also offer hospitality by using their individual skills, such as stamping visitors with handmade stamps as souvenirs or folding origami animals.

Furthermore, the interactions that arise from connecting with visitors can sometimes serve as a "bridge" between visitors and staff.

Creating an environment where many people can enjoy the zoo with peace of mind, and providing opportunities to learn about animals, is made possible thanks to the support of many volunteers like these.

Ueno Zoo will continue to work hand in hand with volunteers to conduct educational outreach activities that deepen visitors' interest in animals and nature, and provide them with an opportunity to think about their lives and current situations.

[Ueno Zoo Education and Outreach Section]