Zoo Hosts are front-line members of Guest Services, initiating interactions with guests of varying ages. Volunteers are stationed in assigned locations throughout the Zoo to greet guests, assist with wayfinding, promote paid attractions, and share about special events. Volunteers also provide information about the transportation system, available services such as food & retail outlets, picnic areas, wheelchair, and stroller rentals, where to obtain medical assistance, and offer suggestions to maximize their time to make the most of their visit.
Time Commitments
Volunteers should be available to commit to two shifts each month.
Available Shifts: March - November. Wednesdays through Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Summer only options: Available June – August with a minimum commitment of one shift weekly. Submit Volunteer Interest Form beginning May 3.
Training
On the job training and printed materials will help familiarize volunteers with the layout of the Zoo, available services, and answers to commonly asked questions to assist volunteers with providing personalized and memorable guest experiences. Zoo Host volunteers are not trained to interpret the Zoo’s plant and animal collections.
Age requirement
Minimum age requirement is 16 years old
Onboarding Timeline to Attend February 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 February 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 February 12th, you’ll be able to view the onboarding timeline for the March 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: 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: Begin Volunteering!
- After all onboarding steps have been completed, you can begin volunteering
Step 6: Onsite Training
- Complete training during first volunteer shift
