VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are the heart of our mission to save animals
Volunteer PROGRAM
About the Program
For individuals ages 16 years and older
Volunteers are ambassadors for Woodland Park Zoo and an important part of our zoo team. We seek individuals who are excited about engaging with the zoo’s mission to save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.
The primary focus of our volunteers is engaging with zoo guests by offering assistance and information, facilitating extraordinary zoo experiences and helping at a variety of special events. Once in the program, volunteers also have the opportunity to apply and interview for positions in other aspects of the zoo's operations including horticulture, education and leadership roles within the Volunteer Program.
Our program offers all volunteers opportunities to continuously learn more about conservation and animals, and to make an impact every day through this active role in the zoo community. While we all support our animals through connecting with guests and supporting many aspects of the zoo, we do not have programs that are hands on with our animals.
Current WPZ Volunteer VIC Access
Volunteer Program Requirements
The Woodland Park Zoo Volunteer Program requires interested individuals to:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Demonstrate commitment to the highest standards of customer service
- Have enthusiasm for people, animals and conservation
- Commit to the Volunteer Program for a minimum of one year
- Meet the minimum service requirement of 70 hours per year
- Successfully complete zoo ambassador training and mentorship
- Have a reliable way to access the internet, as most communications are via email and volunteer scheduling is done online
Read more about volunteer training, activities and positions
Learn More and Apply for Our Volunteer Program!
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Woodland Park Zoo! Our applications are currently closed, please check back here periodically for more updates. For an email when applications open, please sign up here:
Sign me up
New Volunteer Program!
Join us as a part of a new volunteer cohort program for high school students at the Woodland Park Zoo!
Through this program, teens will have the opportunities to bring a youth voice to inspire conservation actions, connect with guests about wildlife and conservation, and foster community with fellow teens. The Teen Ambassador program is geared towards high school students that want to create empathy connections between our guests, animals, the environment, and communities.
Applications will open spring 2025, please check back here for more information.
Accessibility and Accommodations
At Woodland Park Zoo, we are committed to creating an environment that fully includes and supports all individuals, recognizing the diverse needs of our community. We strive to seamlessly integrate accessibility and accommodations into every aspect of our services, programs, and employment opportunities, ensuring that everyone can participate fully and equally.
For any assistance, information, or support you may need to engage fully in the Teen Ambassador Program—from the application process to interviews and beyond—please do not hesitate to contact our Volunteer Program Staff at volunteer@zoo.org. We are here to ensure that your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
For more information on what a shift as a Teen Ambassador from 2024 looked like, see below:
Quotes from our 2024 Cohort:
• “I think I became more comfortable with public speaking and gained more knowledge on interaction with young children.”
• “…The community was always supportive and open respectful. I felt like I belonged and like all of the people around me also did because of the involved staff and community.”
• “I have become better at asking questions!”
• “I met a lot of great people and made friends in this program.”
click here to check out our Social Story to learn more!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Corporate Service Projects
Corporate volunteer groups are accepted on a limited basis, please email corpengagement@zoo.org to request information.
Contact Us
Volunteer Program
If you cannot find the answers to your questions about volunteering or need additional help please contact program staff at volunteer@zoo.org or 206.548.2450 (email preferred).