Areas of Focus
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. T-shirts and name tags will be an additional $30 cost to you.
Requirements and How to Apply
- 60 hour yearly commitment (an average of 5 hours per month)
- Due to background check procedures, you must be legally authorized to work in the USA and/or currently reside in the USA
- Ability to communicate in English (additional language fluency is a plus!)
- A negative TB test result is required for all incoming volunteers
Applications for our Adult Volunteer Program are now open through July 31st!
Questions about our volunteer programs?
Contact us at volunteer@houstonzoo.org
Group volunteer opportunities may be available! Learn more
For all questions regarding teen programs, contact teenprograms@houstonzoo.org
We also have internships!
