GET INVOLVED

Volunteers in the Education Department have the option to assist or perform educational programs for groups or ZOWs (Zoo On Wheels), assist or present animal shows for Zoo guests, prepare educational materials or crafts, teach informally at exhibits (Interpretation), take part in program development and research, and participate in special Zoo events. These volunteers have no required set schedule. This is ideal for people who are interested in volunteering, but who may not wish to assume the commitments of time and responsibility required by the Docent and Internship programs. All Education volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and are required to attend a two-day training that covers orientation, the natural history of animals, education procedures, guest relations, and animal handling classes.

Volunteers in the Maintenance Department assist in the daily upkeep of Zoo grounds, buildings, and gardens. Volunteers with special trade skills or experience may assist with more complex projects such as those involving carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or painting. Some aspects of this departments daily duties can require physical exertion, and a willingness to work out of doors is a plus. Only volunteers over 18 with the proper skills and experience will be able to operate power tools. All Maintenance volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Volunteer Programs

Teen Volunteers

Volunteers can assist the Marketing and Development Department with daily office duties such as data entry, preparation of materials, and mailings. They can also work on the newsletter, perform surveys, and participate in any promotional activities that become available. Volunteers with special skills, experience, and knowledge may assist the M&D Department with marketing projects, grant proposals, research, the compilation of data, and design projects. Depending on the project involved, volunteers will have the option of working from home. All M&D volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Guest Services volunteers have the opportunity to interact directly with our Zoo guests as greeters and face painters. They may also assist our Admissions and Nature Shop staff by helping to keep our guest areas around the Zoo tidy and by stocking merchandise in the shop. The ability to work independently is a plus and a pleasant guest-friendly attitude is a must! Greeters must be 14 years of age or older. General Guest Services volunteers must be 15 years of age.

The Guest Services department has openings for a few very special volunteers this summer. Would you like to learn how to do facepainting or airbrush temporary tattoos? If you like children and spending time around wild animals this is the place for you! Applicants should be 15 years of age or older and have an outgoing personality. Deadline to apply is April 30th.

Volunteers can work in the Cougar Café or any other food stations in the Zoo helping to serve food and wait on guests. They may also assist with Birthday Party preparation and operation. Café and Food Service volunteers must be 18 years old. Birthday Party volunteers must be 15 years of age.

Volunteers in the Animal Care Department may assist our keepers by preparing the daily animal diets. Due to the skill and training necessary to be involved with our animal collections care, only selected college interns will be allowed to work with the Keeper Staff performing animal husbandry. Animal Diet volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.

Many groups, schools, and scout groups like to do service projects or days of service at the Zoo. Unless the group has a particular project in mind, they will most often be assigned to assist the Maintenance Department in working on the Zoos gardens and grounds. Groups can also assist with Zoo special events such as "Nightmare at Elmwood". Service groups can include a variety of age levels, provided adequate adult supervision is supplied. The date, time, and type of service or project that the group wishes to do can be planned by calling the Volunteer Coordinator.