Denver Zoo's Mission:
Secure a better world for animals through human understanding.

Our Commitment:
We will work with anyone who is truly interested and committed to volunteering at Denver Zoo, to find a place or position that meets both the needs of the Zoo and the needs of volunteers as we endeavor to provide a quality experience for our Zoo guests.

Who are Denver Zoo Volunteers?

• Adult Volunteers
• Teen Volunteers
• Getting Started

Volunteering at Denver Zoo!

Denver Zoo volunteers have an interest in nature, animals, the Zoo and people. Our volunteers are a diverse group from all walks of life and professions united by their advocacy for the zoo and by their passion for nature and the preservation and conservation of the natural world for all to enjoy.

Volunteers are a vital part of Denver Zoo, committed to the zoo's mission and sharing that mission with our guests. Volunteers provide valuable assistance with administrative duties, special events, education programs, community outreach and public interpretation, feeling a sense of satisfaction and pride in a job well done.

What can Volunteers do?

A variety of volunteer jobs are available to fit almost everyone's time and interests. Below are some of the many exciting opportunities available to you as a Denver Zoo Volunteer.

Our next New Volunteer Information Session will be held in January 2014. For more information, call: 720-337-1619.

YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEERS

A variety of volunteer opportunities await you as a year-round volunteer. The Denver Zoo is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. There is always something fun for you to do!

Ambassador Volunteers:

• Main Gate Ambassador
  Work at the Zoo entrance for Denver Zoo members and guests, greet visitors, answer questions and provide information and directions for Zoo guests.
• Administrative Help
  Help with administrative projects - from daily office work, to answering telephones, to preparing invitations and large mailings.
• Special Events Assist staff with activities at special events including Wildlights, Boo at the Zoo, Senior Day and private parties. Be a greeter, answer questions or help with fun activities like crafts.
• Family Programs Assist with set-up of crafts, snacks and special activities for our summer day camp, Summer Safari, and our overnight experience, Bunk with the Beasts.
• Horticulture
  Assist the Horticulture staff with projects around the zoo, from pruning and weeding to mulching and exhibit maintenance.
• Lorikeets
  Work alongside animal staff assisting visitors
  as they interact with and feed the lorikeets
  in the Lorikeet Adventure Aviary
• Maintenance
  Assist the Maintenance staff with projects around the zoo.
• Zoo Patrol
  In May, meet and greet the hundreds of buses that transport students to the Zoo for spring field trips. Assist the students in safely walking from the bus to the Zoo entrance.

Guide Volunteers

• Guide stations provide Zoo guests with basic animal knowledge using prepared interpretive kits.
• Outreach
  Deliver Denver Zoo-related presentations to off-site audiences.

Docent Volunteers

• Ask-Me Provide animal information at specific exhibits, answer visitor questions, show animal biofacts and enhance visitors' Zoo experience.
• Tours
  Lead tours for school groups, Zoo members and special programs such as Bunk with the Beasts. Most tours have a specific focus such as African Animals, Endangered Species or Rainforest Discovery.
• Summer Safari
  Assist staff teaching classes for the Zoo's summer camp programs. Classes include tours, games, crafts, live animal demonstrations and special enrichment activities.
• Outreach
  Travel to schools, community centers and senior facilities presenting Zoo programs including slide shows and live animals.
• Young Scientists
  Supervise students who are learning about the scientific method and exhibit design. Give tours and oversee animal observation and data collection.
• Bunk with the Beasts
  Assist staff in our overnight experience for kids with tours, games, live animal demonstrations and special activities.
  

The Benefits of Volunteering

In addition to the personal fulfillment and enjoyment of volunteering at Denver Zoo, our volunteers receive numerous other benefits.

• Enthusiastic team of volunteers and staff
• Flexible schedule
• Variety of volunteer activities
• A monthly Volunteer Newsletter
• Regular recognition for your services
• Opportunities to participate in continuing education programs and social events at the zoo
• Opportunities to gain valuable customer service and public relations skills.
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases

Getting Started – we will be accepting online applications for 2014 starting August 15, 2013.

Requirements for becoming an Adult Volunteer:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Submit an application
• Complete an interview
• Complete a background check form
• Attend a two-day ZooU orientation session
• Pay a  fee of $25 for training and materials
• Purchase one Denver Zoo logo volunteer shirt
• Give a minimum of 50 hours of service a year
• Attend 3 General Meetings annually
• Become a zoo member.
  
  

ZooU Training
All adult volunteers participate in a training and orientation session called ZooU. At this training you receive an introduction to Denver Zoo, its mission, Education staff and Volunteers and activities you will be able to participate in as a Denver Zoo Volunteer.

ZooU classes for newly accepted volunteers are held in the Gates Education Building following the above New Adult Volunteer Information Session and interview sessions.

With additional training Ambassador Volunteers may also become Denver Zoo Guide Volunteers. Guides assist Denver Zoo by performing basic interpretation with zoo guests using prepared interpretive kits and materials, working at guide stations. Guide volunteers commit a minimum of 50 hours of service and attend four general meetings. Guide training is typically held annually every spring.

With additional training Guide Volunteers may become Docent Volunteers. Docents are volunteer teachers who provide a variety of interpretive and educational opportunities for our zoo guests.  Docent training is held every other year.   Our next Docent Training begins fall of 2014.

Download the Key Volunteer Requirements (96k PDF) for more specific details about financial commitment, uniform descriptions, and training details.

While a love of animals draws many volunteers to Denver Zoo, volunteers are not directly involved with the handling and care of the Zoo's animals. Volunteers are one of the most visible members of Denver Zoo community and their main goal is to provide the Zoo guests with a quality, educational and enriching experience while they are here.

How can you contact us?

If becoming a Denver Zoo Volunteer sounds like it's for you, contact us at 720-337-1619. Applications will be available on this website starting August 15, 2013. Volunteers may work weekdays or weekends, day or evening. General Volunteer meetings are held the first Tuesday and Saturday of most months. These consist of a "business" meeting and an informative presentation. A monthly newsletter and weekly enewsletter for all volunteers keeps everyone up-to-date on meetings, volunteer needs, etc. For more information, call: 720-337-1619 or email Jan at jwaterman@denverzoo.org.

Denver Zoo's Mission:

Secure a better world for animals through human understanding.

You can make a difference!! Volunteer at Denver Zoo!