Opportunities

Adult Volunteers

Applications Now Being Accepted -

see "Requirements" for details!

Next Volunteer Orientation:

February 7, 2009 9:00am-12:00pm

How Would You Like To Help?

There are lots of things that need to be done at the Zoo. Each department has a list of daily jobs, and we rely on help from volunteers to get them all done. To choose the job that suits you, browse the list of Zoo departments:

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Animals

Positions in the animal department are requested by the majority of our volunteers. If you can work a minimum of ½ day each month, you can assist Zookeepers in cleaning and maintaining the animal enclosures—a physically demanding, but rewarding job.

What you'll do...

  • Assist Zookeepers with exhibit modifications.
  • Make minor repairs to animal enclosures.
  • Hose down exhibits.
  • Rake animal areas.
  • Spread straw.
  • Prepare animal diets.

Note: For the safety of our animals and volunteers, the Zoo does not allow volunteers to have physical contact with the animals unless given specific permission. Proximity to animals may also be limited.

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Horticulture

Help the horticulture and grounds department keep the Zoo looking great by performing a variety of tasks, depending on the season and weather.

What you'll do...

  • Mulch, weed or water to maintain the gardens.
  • Plant new exhibits or beds.
  • Assist with the holiday lights display.
  • Rake leaves and sweep the grounds....
  • Remove posts, build fences or move soil.
  • Help with other projects that arise.

Membership

Volunteer for the membership department to help us recruit new Zoo members and encourage current members to renew their memberships. Volunteers should enjoy clerical work.

Show/hide details [When "Show details" is selected, display:]

What you'll do...

  • Make phone calls to Zoo members.
  • Prepare mailings.
  • Maintain member computer files.
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Special Events

The special events department is proud to offer a variety of special events throughout the year. We rely on help from volunteers to plan and execute these events because they bring a large number of visitors to the Zoo.

Events include...

  • Teddy Bear Days
  • Boo at the Zoo
  • Electric Safari
  • Conservation Days
  • Earth Day

and many more

What you'll do...

  • Help with planning.
  • Set up events.
  • Staff events.
  • Clean up after events.
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Education

Education plays an important role in what the Zoo is all about. By volunteering for this department, you'll learn a lot about the Zoo and its animals—so you can pass on your knowledge.

What you'll do...

  • Assist our summer camp counselors.
  • Teach programs to camp participants.
  • Assist in organizing craft projects and demonstrations.
  • Assist with Zoo signage design.
  • Educate the public as a Docent.
  • Perform administrative duties such as organizing, filing and cleaning office areas.
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Zoo Crew

Designed for teens between 12 and 17 years old, the Zoo Crew Program helps young people become more involved with the Zoo. They'll spend numerous hours a week during the summer months helping out with a variety of tasks.

Get more information about Zoo Crew

Special Resources

Volunteers with special talents and skills are a treasure. If you think you have something special to offer, the Zoo needs you! 

Here are some of the skills volunteers have brought
to our Zoo:

  • Photography
  • Comedy
  • Artistic ability
  • Magic
  • Face painting
  • Fund-raising
  • Working with children
  • Storytelling
  • Acting
  • Musical ability