Adult Volunteers

What Can you Do?

All shifts are guest-service oriented, but below are some areas of focus available to our adult volunteers. Please be aware that some of these opportunities may require additional training and/or an additional application process once accepted as a volunteer:

Animal Encounters – helping staff supervise guest interactions at Giraffe Feeding and Children’s Zoo

Interpretation – educating guests about the individual animals here at the zoo and what we are doing to save them in the wild

Education Program Assistant – helping staff to help teach classes and lead activities

Guest Services – greeting guests, answering questions, and helping to ensure their day is amazing

Keeper Aide – volunteer alongside our keeper staff and assist with habitat cleaning, enrichment, diet preparation, and more!

Zoo Events – assisting staff with various conservation and community events throughout the year

Animal Handler – help our guests get up close and personal with one of our ambassador animals

Details to Know

Approved applicants are contacted for a meet & greet with zoo staff and current volunteers at the end of the application period; a full day orientation is required if accepted.

Accepted volunteers must complete and pass a criminal background check at their own cost of $37, with potential additional fees according to your address history:

Additional Background Check Fees (pdf)

Background checks for volunteers that have lived internationally within the last 7 years may also incur separate charges. The required uniform is $30 and includes a T-shirt and name-tag. Additional uniform options are available for purchase.