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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!
Recruitment and training will continue through the summer and fall months for folks interested in volunteering at the Wildlife Center. Volunteer positions in the Park (i.e. Exhibit Interpreters, Gardeners, Zoo Hosts, etc) will be available for training again in the winter of 2014.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity! Orientation classes are offered once a month 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!
ZOO HOSTS are happy, courteous, pleasant and helpful Volunteers! 
Our highly valued team of Zoo Host Volunteers are the front-line members of the Zoo. Volunteers meet and greet visitors and provide information on how to best visit the Park; locate exhibits, use the transportation system, explain the Zoo's available services, obtain medical assistance, answer questions and provide customer feedback to Visitor Services. Never underestimate the power of being able to direct someone to the nearest restroom after many hours in a car, or at the end of a long, hot day! Serving as a Zoo Host is exciting, engaging, rewarding and minimal training is required. You too can be a Zoo Host Superstar! More
EXHIBIT INTERPRETER VOLUNTEERS 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
HORTICULTURE VOLUNTEERS plant, weed, water and maintain some of the Zoo's plant collections, assisting horticulture staff, as requested. Volunteers also mulch islands in the North America parking lot and help oversee service groups assisting with one-day horticulture projects. More
RETAIL VOLUNTEERS spend their day indoors where it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Surrounded by lions, alligators, birds and bears...all plush, of course, Volunteers greet customers, stock shelves, price merchandise, clean and organize sales floors and assist with various other duties as needed at Zoo Gift Shops. More
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. 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. Volunteers must be a minimum of high school age. Groups should not exceed 20 participants.
Interested in becoming a Zoo Volunteer? Fill out our online volunteer application and you will be contacted.