You are here: Home : Support NC Zoo :
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!
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 at the Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, until they are ready for release back into the wild. Volunteer duties include preparation of diets, cleaning cages, 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 x-rays and surgeries, as well as, performing treatments as ordered by Veterinary staff. In addition, Volunteers may participate in special projects, tours, training, and animal rescues and releases. More
EXHIBIT INTERPRETER VOLUNTEERS/DOCENTS are
stationed at various exhi bits 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
KIDZONE VOLUNTEERS facilitate play experiences that help foster a love of nature. The kidZone exhibit area is a distinctive place where children immerse themselves in a variety of experiences with and within the natural world. Daily programs encourage children to discover plants, animals, butterflies and bees in a close-up setting. Imaginations are allowed to run free as children create animal art, animal enrichments and express themselves through dramatic play using costumes and animal props. 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
BROWSE GARDEN VOLUNTEERS plant, maintain and harvest fruits and vegetables for the Zoo’s exotic animal collection. 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, 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. Request 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.