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

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, share information about the giraffes, and support staff as requested.  

A young male giraffe deck volunteer in a red shirt and baseball cap feeding giraffe that has its head poked over the top of a wooden fence in a wooded area.

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 March Orientation

We are excited about your interest in joining our volunteer team and being part of our Zoo community. We offer multiple onboarding cycles to help match varying schedules.

To attend the March orientation, all onboarding steps listed below must be completed within the designated timeframes to ensure a smooth and successful start.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to complete these steps at this time, additional opportunities will continue through the coming months. Beginning March 12th, you’ll be able to view the onboarding timeline for the April orientation. 

We appreciate your interest and look forward to connecting with you when the timing is right!

Step 1: Volunteer Interest Form

Click to submit a Volunteer Interest Form 

  • Deadline to submit form: March 11
  • Note: Availability is limited on weekdays and weekends

Step 2: Information Session

Information Sessions will be conducted virtually.

  • March (You will choose ONE date to attend)
    • Thursday, March 19 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Saturday, March 21 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Step 3: Orientation

Orientations will be conducted virtually.

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

Step 4: Onsite Zoo Visit

Onsite Zoo Visit 

  • Must complete step 3 to attend
  • April (You will choose ONE date to attend)
    • Tuesday, April 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • Wednesday, April 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • Saturday, April 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

Zoo volunteer standing on the Zoo's giraffe deck to be face height and feeding a giraffe
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!