VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the heart of our mission to save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.
Woodland Park Zoo Volunteer 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 animal care, 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.
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)
Read more about volunteer training, activities and positions (click here).
Current WPZ Volunteer VIC Access (click here).
Learn More and Apply!
You must be at least 16 years old and attend a Volunteer Program info session to apply for the Volunteer Program. During this info session, you will learn details about the volunteer commitment, schedule and training requirements. You will have the chance to see what sparks your interest, ask questions and complete an application.
Applications are only available by attending an info session.
2020 Info Session Dates*
- Wednesday, January 8, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, January 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
No RSVP is necessary. Info sessions last 1.5 hours (please arrive promptly at the start time listed above) and are held in the zoo’s PACCAR Auditorium in the Education Center, located just inside the South Entrance at N. 50th St. and Fremont Ave. N. If you park in a zoo parking lot, you will need to pay for parking at one of the kiosks before entering the zoo. At the entrance, simply tell a staff member that you are here for the volunteer info session. 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 Tany Holzworth at (206) 548-2592 or tany.holzworth@zoo.org.
*Future info session dates will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. If scheduled, info sessions will be announced here as soon as a determination is made. You must attend an info session to apply to the Volunteer Program.
ZOOCORPS TEEN PROGRAM
Current ZooCorps Volunteers
Current WPZ ZooCorps VIC Access (click here).
ZooCorps Volunteer Program
The ZooCorps teen program is ending in December 2019. If you are 16 years of age or older and are interested in volunteering, please check out the Volunteer Program (see above)!
For other teen program opportunities, please check out information on our Teen Programs including getting involved in addressing climate change in your community through education, leadership and action with Seattle Youth Climate Action Network.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Service Projects
Woodland Park Zoo is currently not accepting new service groups.
Other Opportunities
Short-term volunteer opportunities and employment:
Jungle Party
Internships/Employment
Contact Us
Volunteer Program
If you cannot find the answers to your questions about volunteering or need additional help please contact program staff at 206.548.2450.
Read more about volunteer training, activites and positions (click here).