Open Daily 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Last entry at 6:00 p.m.
Last entry at 6:00 p.m.
There are four types of volunteer opportunities:
• Adult Volunteers
• Zoo Crew Teen Volunteers
• Internships
• Group Volunteers
Questions? E-mail volunteer@houstonzoo.org
Join the team of over 300 adult volunteers who contribute their time and help make the zoo a great place to visit.
Some of the opportunities for adults to volunteer include:
• Keeper Aide – cleaning exhibits, preparing animal diets
• Docent – educating guests about our animals and animal conservation
• Education Program Assistant – working with staff to help teach classes and lead craft activities.
• Guest Services – greeting guests, answering guest questions and dressing in animal costumes!
Adult volunteer positions require an application process, background check, fee to offset uniform costs, and a commitment of one year of 50 hours of service (an average of 4 hours per month.) Adult volunteer benefits include training and support, invitation to special volunteer appreciation events, discounts on concessions and Zoo membership, and the opportunity to develop new skills and make new friends!
Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2013!
The Houston Zoo offers unpaid internships for current or recent college students. Internships are available in most animal sections, as well as horticulture, education, marketing, conservation and other areas. Internships are offered for spring, summer and fall semesters, but not all areas will have positions available during all semesters.
Internship Requirements
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old as of the internship start date.
• Pay a one time $45 fee to offset the cost of your Intern uniform shirt, processing your application, a nametag, continuing education materials, and social events.
• All applicants must be a current or recent student in a field related to the desired placement.
• The minimum time commitment is 200 hours during the semester. Specific hours may be scheduled to meet the needs of both the intern and the department.
• Interns must complete any necessary training specific to their position.
• Interns are required to complete 5 hours of continuing education opportunities during the semester.
• Continuing Education opportunities will be offered at the Zoo and may also include appropriate off-site opportunities.
• Interns will prepare a 15-20 minute presentation at the end of the semester. This presentation will be shared with other interns and Zoo staff. A copy of the project or presentation outline will be retained by Zoo staff as a record.
• Any applicable university or college credit must be arranged by the student through his/her institution.
• All housing and transportation must be arranged by the intern.
• Certain Animal Care Interns are required to provide proof of a negative TB test on their first day.
• Application due dates are as follows unless the specific position you are interested in states otherwise.
• All applicants must provide a cover letter, a current resume, and one letter of recommendation from either a professor or previous employer.
Please click the following link to learn more about each of our available internship opportunities and to download each section’s job description: Details and Job Descriptions 
Summer internship applications will be accepted through March 31, 2013!
Application Timelines:
Summer 2013 Application Open: January 17, 2013 – March 31, 2013
Fall 2013 Application Open: May 17, 2013 – July 31, 2013
Spring 2014 Application Open: September 13, 2013 – December 5, 2013
For more information, please contact our Volunteer Programs Coordinator, Nhi Tran at ntran@houstonzoo.org.
Now accepting applications through February 25, 2013!
The Summer Zoo Crew Program is open to students ages 13-17 who seek to learn more about animals and conservation while gaining valuable job skills through a volunteer experience. The Zoo Crew provides youth a sneak-peak at the daily operations of the Houston Zoo while simultaneously introducing them to the many different career options available in a zoological setting.
The 2013 Summer Zoo Crew lasts nine weeks between June 10th and August 16th, and is a major time commitment. Please read the detailed Zoo Crew Description and Requirements before submitting an application.
First Year Zoo Crew assist our Education Department in one of three areas: Camp Zoofari, Education or Theatrical Interpretation.
If you are a brand new applicant to the Zoo Crew Program please use the following link to submit your application:
Would you prefer to send your application to the Zoo by US Post or drop it off personally? Here is a downloadable copy of our First Year Application.
Returning Zoo Crew who participated in the 2012 Summer Zoo Crew program may apply for senior positions in Theatrical, Education, and Camp Zoofari in addition to certain animal sections. Please read the detailed Returning Zoo Crew Description and Requirements before submitting your application.
Returning Zoo Crew can submit their application by following the link below:
Would you prefer to send your application to the Zoo by US Post or drop it off personally? Here is a downloadable copy of our Returning Zoo Crew Application.
Questions? Contact us at volunteer@houstonzoo.org
The Fall Conservation Zoo Crew Program, running from September through December, is a weekend volunteer program focusing on conservation. A day can consist of anything from educating on Zoo grounds about endangered species and recycling to participating in field research at the Texas City Prairie Preserve.
We are not currently accepting applications for the Fall Conservation Zoo Crew.
The Houston Zoo welcomes corporate, school and other volunteer groups to help fulfill the Zoo’s project needs. All group volunteers must be age 13 or older. The Houston Zoo requires at least one adult chaperone for every 10 volunteers under the age of 18.
Group volunteers are typically scheduled for projects/shifts lasting up to four hours. Most Zoo projects can accommodate a group size of 25 or fewer.
Project Categories
• Outdoor Projects – Raking leaves, moving substrate (soil, sand, rocks, gravel), planting shrubs, flowers, etc. Each project will vary depending on the needs of the Zoo and the interest of the group.
• Indoor Projects – Preparing materials for programs, sorting items for special events, stuffing membership or event bags, etc. The exact project will vary due to the time of year and needs of the Zoo.
• Special Events – Helping with Zoo event setup, greeting guests, manning craft and activity tables, providing event support, cleanup etc. Major Zoo events include Zoobilee in the spring and Zoo Boo in the fall. The activities at each event vary greatly, but each one offers your group the opportunity to interact with Zoo guests during fun and interactive activities around the Zoo.
For more information, please email us at volunteer@houstonzoo.org