You are here: Home : Support NC Zoo : Volunteer
Volunteer!
Volunteers and interns are an essential part of the NC Zoo. Their time, skills, knowledge and expertise compliment and add value to the efforts of the organization, helping the Zoo meet its mission and better serve the community. There are many exciting and challenging opportunities to accommodate varied interest, abilities and time commitments. The Zoo is fortunate to have a diverse and unique assembly of individuals who are committed to making a difference. The Zoo offers attractive benefits such as free Zoo membership, behind the scenes tours, training, invitations to special events, discounts and more!
Now Seeking Volunteers for the 2012 Season
Orientation classes are offered one Saturday each month from January - May, and again in September. SIGN UP TODAY. Fill out our online volunteer application and you will be contacted.
Volunteer Opportunities
Make a difference for a day, over the summer or for a lifetime… There is something for everyone at the NC Zoo!
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION VOLUNTEERS provide routine daily care
for injured and orphaned native wildlife, until they are ready for release back into the wild, in addition to providing care for our education animals. Volunteer duties include preparation of diets, a significant amount of cleaning including cages, dishes, floors and wards, admitting patients, feeding animals, answering phones and record keeping. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with medical tasks such as administering medications, physical therapy, assisting with radiographs and surgeries, as well as performing treatments as ordered by Veterinary staff. In addition, Volunteers may participate in special projects, tours, training, cage building and animal rescues, as well as participating in our education animal programming. More
EXHIBIT INTERPRETER VOLUNTEERS/DOCENTS are
stationed at various exhibits throughout the Zoo and interact with visitors to provide information regarding natural history and the conservation of the world’s wildlife. Interpreters utilize the Zoo’s living collection to increase visitor awareness of conservation issues and the effects of human actions on the environment. More
ZOO HOST VOLUNTEERS are front-line members of the Zoo and greet visitors to provide information on how to best visit the Park; locate exhibits; use transport system; locate available services; obtain medical assistance; answer questions; and provide customer feedback to Visitor Services. More
HORTICULTURE VOLUNTEERS plant, weed, water, harvest and maintain the Zoo's browse garden and occasionally cut browse for the Zoo’s exotic animal collection. In addition, Volunteers will have the opportunity to help plant, weed, water and maintain some of the Zoo's plant collections around the Zoo, assisting horticulture staff, as requested. Volunteers will also be utilized to help gravel a nature trail up Purgatory Mountain and keep islands mulched in the North America parking lot. More
BUTTERFLY GARDEN VOLUNTEERS plant flowers and maintain the beauty of the garden. This exhibit area is also used to teach visitors about butterfly life cycles, host and nectar plants; as well as how to attract wildlife to their own backyards. More
GIFT SHOP VOLUNTEERS spend their day in climate-controlled Zoo stores and greet customers, stock shelves, clean & organize sales floor, assist with bagging and various other duties as needed. Volunteers work in a controlled climate and are asked to commit to one day a week. More
GROUP PROJECTS
Some people say their workplace is a Zoo, but ours really is. Does your group belong in the Zoo? There are many exciting project-based opportunities for businesses, organizations, sororities, fraternities, clubs, school groups and scouts. Possible service projects include hosting a special event (i.e. Boo at the Zoo, Earth Day, Teddy Bear Fair, etc.), small exhibit construction, painting, landscaping, mulching, weeding, washing trams, trash pick-up, etc. Please contact the Volunteer Office at 336.879.7712 for more information. Requests will be arranged on an as needed basis.
Interested in becoming a Zoo Volunteer? Fill out our online volunteer application and you will be contacted.