VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the heart of our mission to save animals
Volunteer PROGRAM
About the Program
For individuals ages 16 years and older
Volunteers are ambassadors for Woodland Park Zoo and an important part of our zoo team. We seek individuals who are excited about engaging with the zoo’s mission to save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.
The primary focus of our volunteers is engaging with zoo guests by offering assistance and information, facilitating extraordinary zoo experiences and helping at a variety of special events. Once in the program, volunteers also have the opportunity to apply and interview for positions in other aspects of the zoo's operations including horticulture, education and leadership roles within the Volunteer Program.
Our program offers all volunteers opportunities to continuously learn more about conservation and animals, and to make an impact every day through this active role in the zoo community.
Read more about volunteer training, activities and positions
Volunteer Program Requirements
The Woodland Park Zoo Volunteer Program requires interested individuals to:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Demonstrate commitment to the highest standards of customer service
- Have enthusiasm for people, animals and conservation
- Commit to the Volunteer Program for a minimum of one year
- Meet the minimum service requirement of six hours per month
- Attend one Volunteer Program info session
- Successfully complete zoo ambassador training
- Pay a one-time $30 program fee to cover costs upon entry into the program (there is no fee to apply; financial assistance is available)
- Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 if accepted into zoo ambassador training*
Current WPZ Volunteer VIC Access
*People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Volunteer placement offers may be withdrawn for individuals who do not comply with this policy.
Learn More and Apply!
You must be at least 16 years old and attend a virtual info session to apply for the Volunteer Program. During this info session, you will learn about volunteer expectations and benefits, training requirements, and current volunteer opportunities. You will have the chance to see what sparks your interest, ask questions, and decide if our program is right for you! Applications are only available after attending a virtual info session.
2021 Virtual Info Session Dates*
Registration is required. Info sessions last 1.5 hours and are held on Zoom. Below are the dates, times, and links to register for our 2021 virtual info sessions:
- Wednesday, January 5, 2022, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Register
- Saturday, January 8, 2022, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Register
Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in attending the info session and/or application process, contact Volunteer Program staff at (206) 548-2450 or volunteer@zoo.org.
*Additional info sessions dates will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. If scheduled, they will be announced here as soon as a determination is made.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Service Projects
Woodland Park Zoo is currently not accepting new service groups.
Contact Us
Volunteer Program
If you cannot find the answers to your questions about volunteering or need additional help please contact program staff at volunteer@zoo.org or 206.548.2450 (email preferred).