Keeper Aide Application Form

This form is only for current Houston Zoo Volunteers who have met specific requirements.

Name*

Prefix First Last

Email*

Please indicate your area of interest:*

Only one section may be chosen per keeper aide application. If you are interested in multiple sections, please fill out a separate application for each one. Please note the days and frequencies that each section is looking to fill.

Herpetology (Thursdays, Weekly)
Herpetology (Saturdays, Weekly)

Frequency you are available to volunteer as a keeper aide:*

Every week
Every other week
Once per month

TB Testing*

A current TB test is required to volunteer in many animal sections, including Children’s Zoo, Elephants, Hoof Stock, Natural Encounters, Primates, Veterinary Hospital Helpers, and Vet Clinic. Please make sure you have a record on file with the Volunteer Office of your most recent TB test results if applying to these areas.

I Understand

After receiving your application, it will be passed onto the departments for review. If interested, a supervisor from the department will contact you. Before being accepted as a keeper aide, you must meet with a supervisor in a section of choice to discuss the requirements of the section you chose and make sure you are a good fit for the section. Please list two dates and times at least two weeks from now that would be good for you to interview with a supervisor.

Possible Date #1 for Interview*

What time(s) that day you available to interview?*

Possible Date #2 for Interview*

What time(s) that day you available to interview?*

Please answer the following questions with as much information as you can provide. This will help each section get to know you better as a candidate.

Why do you want to volunteer as a Keeper Aide?*

Why do you want to volunteer with the section you have selected?*

Do you have previous experience working with animals (include Contact Yard)?*

What strengths do you have that will assist you in a Keeper Aide role?*

Do you have any limitations, physical or otherwise, that would prevent you from performing all the tasks of a Keeper Aide?*

Please read and acknowledge the following statements.

ALL animals at the Zoo are considered wild and could be dangerous. As a keeper aide, you will not touch any animals other than (possibly) some of the animals in the Children's Zoo.*

I understand

Keeper aides are expected to meet their 60 hour per year requirement for volunteering. Keeper sections may have their own hour requirements, and these will count towards your total for the year.*

I understand

Keeper aides are expected to communicate with their section supervisor and the volunteer office if they are not able to make it on their designated volunteer day.*

I understand

Keeper aiding is a privilege, and volunteers may be dismissed from their position for violating any policies detailed in the volunteer handbook or pertaining to their specific keeper section.*

I understand

Keeper aides are here to assist the keepers in their specific section and will not be given special access to animals behind the scenes outside of your Keeper Aide duties?*

I understand

While the majority of the duties in your section may take place behind the scenes, keeper aides are still expected to provide excellent guest service and may be asked to assist with engaging the public for special animal events.*

I understand

Keeper aiding may involve considerable physical exertion such as climbing, reaching, assuming awkward positions, repetitive motions, and lifting and/or moving heavy objects.*

I understand

The following questions will help you gain an understanding of some of the things you can expect from volunteering in a keeper aide sections. Please read them carefully and answer honestly.

I am comfortable handling diets such as live worms, raw fish, pinky mice etc.*

Yes
No

Poop happens. I am comfortable cleaning up and working with animal waste.*

Yes
No

I am comfortable working outside in the rain, the cold, and can tolerate the heat for extended periods of time.*

Yes
No

I am comfortable getting dirty and sweaty while volunteering.*

Yes
No

Are you uncomfortable around any specific type of animal? If so, please indicate below which animals make you uncomfortable.*

I'm comfortable around all animals
There are some animals that make me uncomfortable

Which animals make you uncomfortable?

Please note any questions or concerns you have about this program.

That's everything! Submit your application to be considered for a Keeper Aide position.

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