Open Today: 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
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A giraffe stretches its head and long, dark tongue over a wooden fence to accept a piece of food from a small child's hand. Several people, including an older man in a red shirt who is smiling, and two women, are watching the feeding, which is taking place in an outdoor zoo setting.

Giraffe Deck Volunteers

Volunteers share in the joy of guests having a rare, up-close animal encounter with a giraffe with the opportunity to feed them. Volunteers assist guests with feeding experiences, queuing guests, and supporting staff as requested.  

 

Time Commitments

Volunteers should be available to commit to two shifts each month on a recurring schedule of the same day every other week. (For example, every other Friday). 

Available Shifts: March - November, 7 days a week, 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. 

 

 

Training

Training includes printed materials, videos, and on the job training. 

Age requirement

Minimum age requirement is 16 years old

 

Onboarding Timeline to Attend February Orientation

We are excited for you to join our volunteer team in February! To ensure a smooth start, all steps below must be completed as scheduled. 

If you are not available to complete any of the steps listed below due to scheduling conflicts, please check back starting February 12 to review the onboarding timeline to begin your adventure with us in March. If your availability aligns with the March time frame, please wait to submit a Volunteer Interest Form after February 12. 

Step 1: Volunteer Interest Form

Click to submit a Volunteer Interest Form 

  • Deadline to submit form: February 11

Step 2: Information Session

Information Sessions will be conducted virtually.

  • February (You will choose ONE date to attend)
    • Thursday, February 19 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 21 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Step 3: Orientation

Orientations will be conducted virtually.

  • Must complete step 2 to receive the Zoom link to attend
  • February
    • Saturday, February 28 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Step 4: Onsite Zoo Visit

Onsite Zoo Visit 

  • Must complete step 3 to attend
  • March (You will choose ONE date to attend)
    • Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    • Tuesday, March 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    • Wednesday, March 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Step 5: Training

  • Review online training materials

Step 6: Begin Volunteering!

After all onboarding steps have been completed, you can begin volunteering

Five Zoo volunteers wearing yellow shirts and black lanyards posing, arms around each other, for the camera in the lush Africa Plaza.
Volunteer FAQ

Have questions about the volunteer program? Click here!

Large group of Zoo Volunteers
Volunteer

There are many rewarding ways to volunteer your time at our park. Opportunities range from gardening to greeting to helping guests feed giraffes!