Volunteering at the Zoo

 

Getting started

As a volunteer, you are an ambassador for Woodland Park Zoo and are an important part of the zoo team. Once admitted into the WPZ volunteer program, step one is to complete training to become a zoo ambassador. Through this training, you will learn how to find your way around our large and complex zoo campus, communicate with zoo visitors, answer questions about some of the zoo’s most popular zoo animals, exhibits and conservation projects, and learn about the essentials of zoo safety procedures and volunteer guidelines. We will accomplish this in a two-day training session with three follow-up mentor sessions led by experienced zoo volunteers.

Once you have completed zoo ambassador training, you may begin volunteering as a zoo ambassador or explore your interests in other aspects of zoo operations by applying for one of the other specialty positions described in the section listed below.

Volunteer recruitment overview

Volunteer recruitment overviews are your opportunity to learn more about the zoo's adult volunteer program (volunteers 18 and over) including the details of volunteer requirements, commitment, and the training schedule. You will have the chance to ask questions and see what sparks your interest. Our staff will then get you started with the application process. No RSVP is necessary.

2010 Overview Schedule:

• Saturday, January 30th, 10:00-11:30 AM
• Saturday, March 20th, 10:00-11:30 AM
• Saturday, April 10th, 10:00-11:30 AM
• Saturday, May 15th, 10:00-11:30 AM
• Saturday, June 19th, 10:00-11:30 AM
• Saturday, July 31st, 10:00-11:30 AM

Overview location

All overviews are held in the zoo’s Education Center Auditorium, located just inside the South Entrance at N. 50th and Fremont Avenue North. Parking is on the street. If you park in one of the zoo parking lots, you will need to pay for parking at the zoo gate. At the gate, tell the admissions staff that you are here for the volunteer overview.

While attending the overview is strongly recommended, it is not a requirement for volunteer service. If not able to attend, you may contact the Volunteer Office staff for an application.

 

 

Volunteering opportunities

All regular volunteer positions are for individuals age 18 and older. All volunteer positions require a minimum of 72 hours annually with a minimum six-month commitment. Some positions involve a weekly shift and have specific physical and skills requirements. For detailed volunteer position descriptions, please see the position descriptions listed below.

Learn about

• a short-term volunteer opportunity, Jungle Party 
• Internships and job shadowing at the zoo
  
• Zoo careers

 

Teens

Those individuals under 18 interested in volunteer service at Woodland Park Zoo are encouraged to explore the Zoo Corps teen program for teens ages 14 to 18.

Volunteer positions

 

All adult volunteers are required to begin volunteer service at the zoo by completing zoo ambassador training. Volunteers are then welcome to continue their service as zoo ambassadors if they choose or apply for one of the specialty positions listed below.

Click on the position title for more information:

ZOO AMBASSADOR

DOCENT

ZOOMAZIUM GUIDE

ZOOSTORE

ANIMAL UNIT

FAMILY FARM CONTACT AREA

HORTICULTURE

ROSE GARDEN

ZOO CORPS TEEN PROGRAM

We welcome your inquiries about our programs and hope you consider applying for a volunteer position! For questions not answered here, please call the Volunteer Department at 206.548.2450.