Applications are currently closed.
2022 Recruitment Schedule: TBD - Check back for updates!
Guest Experience Volunteer
Would you like to help guests have fun, memorable experiences? This is the team for you!
Animal Care Volunteer
Are you interested in helping with the dirty side of a keeper’s job? This is the team for you!
Horticulture Volunteer
Are you interested in working with staff to maintain our beautiful grounds? This is the team for you!
Nutrition Center Volunteer
Are you interested in furthering the health of our animals through diet preparation in our nutrition center? This is the team for you!
Requirements
- Commit to volunteering at Denver Zoo for a minimum of one year, with a minimum of 50 hours of service a year.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Able to attend one full day of orientation (Zoo U).
- Committed to providing our guests with the highest standard of guest service.
- Passionate about educating people of all ages and background about animals, nature and conservation.
- Friendly, outgoing and dependable.
- Available to attend three general meetings annually- typically occur on the first Tuesday and Saturday of the month.
- Able to pay a $35 application fee which includes one Denver Zoo polo volunteer shirt and Zoo U orientation. (scholarship support is available upon request)
- Become a Denver Zoo member (scholarship support is available upon request)
Steps to Become a Volunteer
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting Denver Zoo’s mission by enhancing the guests’ experience by connecting them with animals and their environment through their passion, commitment, dedication and knowledge.
We are currently not accepting applications for the remainder of 2021. Please check back for recruitment updates in 2022.
1. COMPLETE AN APPLICATION
2. RECEIVE ACCEPTANCE LETTER
If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an acceptance letter requesting you to accept your volunteer position and team assignment.
3. BACKGROUND CHECK & TRAINING FEES
All adult volunteers are required to complete and pass a criminal background check. There is a $35 training fee that is required of all volunteers. Scholarship support is available on request.
4. ATTEND ORIENTATION
All adult volunteers must attend a full, one-day orientation called Zoo U. This orientation will give you an introduction to Denver Zoo, our mission, Adult Volunteer Program staff, and the skills necessary to provide the highest standard of guest experience.
*Note: Additional job-specific training is required depending on your interests before you can start volunteering.
For more information, contact Kelly Bockert at (720) 337-1546 or kbockert@denverzoo.org
