Caring. Committed. Passionate. Powerful. The members of Denver Zoo’s volunteer community are as dynamic and diverse as the city itself—and as much a part of our family as our wonderful staff and our 3,000 wild animals. Of all the volunteer opportunities in Denver, this is one of the most exciting and rewarding. Interested? Learn how to join forces with Colorado’s oldest and most dedicated advocate for wild animals, below!
2. Ready to apply?
Applications are currently CLOSED. 2025 application windows:
- January 10th-24th
- March 17th-April 6th (Safari Camp Volunteer Opportunities Only)
- Fall 2025 – TBD
If you would like to be notified of future application openings, add your name to our interest form HERE.
3. Acceptance and Next Steps
All volunteers who are accepted into the Adult Volunteer Program will be notified of next steps via email. Each application cycle the number of applications we receive far outnumber the amount of open positions we have. If you are not offered a position, you are encouraged to apply again.
Prior to orientation all accepted volunteers will be required to pass a criminal background check and submit a $15 training fee. Scholarship support is available on request.
4. Zoo U (Orientation)
All adult volunteers must attend a one-day orientation called Zoo U. This program will give you an introduction to Denver Zoo, our mission, Adult Volunteer Program staff, and give you the foundational skills necessary to deliver the highest standard of guest experience.
For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Brianna Cronin at (720) 337-1619 or bcronin@denverzoo.org
- Volunteer Requirements
• Able to commit for a minimum of one-year and able to serve the required 16 to 24 shifts per year, depending on your position
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to attend one full day of on-campus orientation (Zoo U)
• Be committed to providing our guests with the highest standard of service
• Be passionate about educating people of all ages and abilities about wildlife, conservation and the natural world
• Be friendly, outgoing and dependable
• Be able to pay a $15 training fee which includes your Zoo U orientation and your Denver Zoo name badge. (Scholarship support available upon request.)
All volunteers start as General Volunteers and are able to participate in the following and more:
• Animal Visibility Scans
• Enrichment Building
• Exhibit Maintenance
• Animal Handling Assistant
• Shadowing Horticulture Volunteers (March–October)
• Shadowing Guest Experience Volunteers
After completing the General Volunteer requirements, volunteers are invited to apply for open positions and attend training for specific volunteer teams.
