Volunteer Opportunities

Denver Zoo volunteers are a dedicated group of individuals, from all walks of life, united by their advocacy for the zoo and their passion for animals and conservation.

Guest Experience Volunteer

Would you like to help guests have fun, memorable experiences? This is the team for you!

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Animal Care Volunteer

Are you interested in helping with the dirty side of a keeper’s job? This is the team for you!

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Horticulture Volunteer

Are you interested in working with staff to maintain our beautiful grounds? This is the team for you!

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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!

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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 two days 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 $45 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.

1. COMPLETE AN APPLICATION

In the best interest of overall wellness for our community and for each other, Denver Zoo is not accepting volunteer applications at this time.  We will continue to monitor and make decisions as needed. Please check back for more updates. 

2. RECEIVE ACCEPTANCE LETTER

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an acceptance letter requesting you to accept your volunteer position.

3. BACKGROUND CHECK & TRAINING FEES

All adult volunteers are required to complete and pass a criminal background check. There is a $45 training fee that is required of all volunteers. Scholarship support is available on request.

4. ATTEND ORIENTATION

All adult volunteers must attend a two-day orientation called Zoo U. This orientation will give you an introduction to Denver Zoo, its 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

Image Gallery

Tiger illustration around zoo mission

2021 Recruitment Schedule

In the best interest of overall wellness for our community and for each other, Denver Zoo is not accepting new volunteers at this time.  We will continue to monitor and make decisions as needed, including an assessment on when it is time to begin volunteer recruitment.  

 

*Please note: Applications to the Denver Zoo Volunteer Program exceed the number of available positions in each training class. The selection of new volunteers is based on matching applicants with current zoo needs.
**You must be able to attend both days of orientation to begin volunteering.
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