Opportunities

Giving is the Greatest Gift.

Adult Volunteers

Applications Now Being Accepted - see "Requirements" for details!


Local Opportunities

FrogWatch USA - American Zoo and Aquarium Association's flagship citizen science program that allows individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. For over ten years, volunteers have been trained to enter their FrogWatch USA information and ongoing analyses of these data have been used to help develop practical strategies for the conservation of these important species. Frogs and toads play an important role, serving as both prey and predator, in wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of environmental health. Many previously abundant frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic population declines both in the United States and around the world and it’s essential that scientists understand the scope, geographic scale, and cause of these declines.

FrogWatch is active in establishing some baseline information on amphibian population distributions around the Pikes Peak region. Data gathered helps to better measure changes in frog populations in the area over time and possibly identify management or research needs for local species.  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is excited to be collaborating on this project with U.S. Division of Wildlife.  If you are interested, training is required which instructs volunteers in frog/toad calls, how to fill out data sheets, where to go and more.  Once trained you are asked to go out and do a site visit once a month beginning in May thru the summer months.  This is a unique way to get outside and be a part of something bigger.

With spring just weeks away, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced the launch of its new, online training programs for future chapter coordinators and volunteers of FrogWatch USA, the flagship citizen science program of AZA.

The more than ten years of data collected by FrogWatch USA volunteers can be used to identify the ranges and peak breeding seasons of these important and beloved species. There are currently 18 FrogWatch USA Chapters across the country, mostly hosted by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, but the online training program will allow many new chapters to launch before the spring breeding season.

The self-paced, interactive online training courses, designed by NP Training Works, teach coordinators how to start a chapter and certify members of the public as citizen scientists for FrogWatch USA. The training courses are available at http://www.aza.org/web-based-training.aspx.

If you are interested in volunteering for FrogWatch, please contact: CMZ Volunteer Coordinator- 719/633-9925 ext.112 or DOW Aquatic/Herptile coordinator- Tina Jackson- 719/227-5237 or for more information go to www.aza.org and click on Conservation.


Zoo Opportunities

There are lots of things that need to be done here! 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 16 hours 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.
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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.

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What you'll do...

  • Prepare mailings
  • Assist in Adopt an Animal projects.
  • Preform administrative duties such as organizing and filing.
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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
  • Earth Day

and many more

What you'll do...

  • Help 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.

What you'll do...

  • Assist in organizing craft projects and demonstrations.
  • Assist with lesson plan development.
  • Assisting with Education program promotion.
  • Perform administrative duties such as organizing, filing.
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Teen Opportunities

Teen Programs for ages 11-17.

Please visit our Teen Programs page for further details.
For questions please contact volunteer@cmzoo.org

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Special Talents & 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