Volunteer Opportunities

These opportunities are long-term, and volunteers are assigned based on operational needs and availability. These positions allow volunteers to explore all the zoo has to offer, and gain access to different areas of service by completing additional shift specific training.

New volunteers will spend 20 hours assisting with guest engagement and complete additional training to receive access to volunteer shifts in the following areas:
· Contact Yard
· Wings of Asia
· Animal Behavior Research

Additional opportunities may arise based on departmental need. Most areas provide scheduling flexibility, but some will require a committed schedule for acceptance.

Age Requirements: Volunteer Ambassadors must be 14+ years old. Additional age restrictions for specific shift types.

Time Requirements: We ask each volunteer to commit to volunteering at least 50 hours annually.

Training: All Volunteer Ambassadors must complete an online orientation and in person training prior to the start of their first shift.

Application: We are not currently accepting additional volunteer ambassadors. Please join the waitlist here.

We are recruiting the next generation of wildlife advocates to dedicate time this Summer volunteering at various education stations throughout the zoo designed to educate guests on the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

As part of the program, Volun-TEENS will be trained to facilitate activities engaging guests throughout the zoo. Stations will focus on different conservation topics—from the effects of climate change on local habitats to the importance of bees in pollination. Volun-TEENS will be invited to opt into several career related sessions to learn about the day to day of a Zookeeper, Zoo Vet and various administrative staff members—including members of our leadership team!

By guiding visitors through fun, interactive activities, using games, facts and a passion for wildlife and wild places in people of all ages; Volun-TEENS will leave a lasting impression on every guest who stops by!

Volun-TEENS will gain valuable skills in public speaking, advocacy, cooperation, time management and leadership, while putting their passion into practice as true advocates for the environment, spreading the message that conservation begins with awareness and action.

Who is eligible/what are the requirements?

Anyone between the ages of 14-17
Must commit to a minimum of 2; 3-4 hour shifts per week on 2 different days per week Monday-Saturday from June 20 – August 15, 2025. (Volun-TEENS can commit to up to 4 shifts per week but cannot commit to 2 shifts on the same day)

Daily shifts:
9:15am - 12:15pm
12:00pm - 4:00pm

For example; a minimum schedule can be:
Monday’s 9:15am – 12:15pm
Saturday’s 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Every week for 9 weeks

You may opt into a maximum of 4 shifts; an example of this schedule can be:
Mondays: 9:15am – 12:15pm
Tuesdays: 9:15am – 12:15pm
Wednesdays: 9:15am – 12:15pm
Saturdays: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Every week for 9 weeks

Preferred skills/competencies:

• Reliable and Timely in performance and communication
• Passion for wildlife, animals, zoos and aquariums and/or conservation and sustainability
• Willing and able to engage in conversations with strangers
• Self-motivated and able to work independently

Timeline:

• Applications due: May 16, 2025
• Attend 1 in person interview: May 21 or 22; 6:00-7:30pm
• Mandatory Orientation for selected Volun-TEENS: June 14th
• Shifts Start: Friday, June 20, 2025
• Shifts End: Friday, August 15, 2025

How to apply:

• Applications are accepted until May 16th but may close earlier if there is high demand.
• All applicants must commit to 1 in person interview session at the Zoo on either May 21 or 22 from 6:00-7:30pm
• Apply here!

Our Special Events volunteers assist with annual zoo events such as Boo at the Zoo in October. This program is a great opportunity for those with limited availability or for groups looking for annual service opportunities. Volunteers will be assigned to a specific station or task for event day and all efforts will be made to ensure volunteers that request placement together are stationed at the same location. Assigned duties will vary depending on event but may include: guest registration/check in, candy stations, activity stations, and set up/clean up.

Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 13 years old for family events / 21+ years old for adult-only events.

Time Requirements: Will vary depending on event. Volunteers must be able to work full event shift. To remain active, Special Events volunteers must complete one shift annually.

Training: All Special Events volunteers must complete online orientation training prior to the start of their shift.

Application: Applications are currently available for Boo at the Zoo (Weekends in October 2023 beginning Oct 14!). Click here to register for shifts. Please note: When you submit your application the page will not refresh or automatically update to indicate your application has been received. Within 5 minutes you will receive a confirmation email confirming it’s been received. Please do NOT submit multiple applications.

Docents are passionate volunteer educators who dive deep into the world of animals, becoming experts in their own right. Participants in this program engage with zoo guests in different exhibits, complete specialized tours and more.

New Docent Training

Whether you're fascinated by a specific species or eager to broaden your horizons to encompass the diverse inhabitants of our zoo, there's a place for you to shine. Embark on an adventure with our inaugural hybrid training class and gain access to onsite volunteering opportunities within just three months!

Training will become available in July 2024 and will include with three points of entry in July, January and April. The full training will take nine months to complete and will include both online and onsite training.

All zoo exhibits will be available for training once per year and will be split into three smaller modules in 3-month periods. New docents who have completed at least one module but have not completed the full program (three modules) will be designated as Associate Docents.

Associate Docent Status

Associate docents are docents who have knowledge limited to certain areas of the zoo. This could occur because they are actively engaging with new docent training, or they are only interested in serving in one area.

If an Associate Docent is in the process of completing the full program, their program requirement is 25 annual hours of service.

Training - Month One

Online

The first month of each 3-month training module will involve online courses for individuals that do not have a history of volunteering at the zoo. The courses will include information related to the zoo and how it operates, as well as training on conservation and guest engagement.

On-site

During the first month, Associate Docents will have two opportunities for: Onsite Computer Assistance/Technology training and a General Zoo Tour. There will also be one scheduled Meet and Greet Activity with Active Docents—typically preceding or directly after a Docent Monthly Meeting.

*If completing full program, Associate Docents may skip steps in Month 1 when completing additional modules.

Training - Months Two and Three

Online

Online trainings in the final two months of each training module will include information on the animal species that live in the Philadelphia Zoo.

“Intro To” Courses will provide general information on classifications of animals, group adaptations and characteristics, and common conservation issues facing the group as a whole.

There will be a separate course that details specific animals living in the exhibit. For course designations with large numbers of species, the animals most critical to conservation messaging will be prioritized and not all animals may be highlighted. Emphasis will be placed on the use of resources to gain further information (E.g., reptiles and birds).

Both courses will always launch on the 1st of the month, or the first Monday of the Month if the 1st is a holiday.

On-site

Onsite training will be offered twice a month (one weekend and one weekday) and will include information specific to the individual animals that live at the zoo. There will be a formal classroom element (either docent or staff led)

where they will learn about the unique animals that live at the zoo and how they are cared for. There will also be an opportunity to tour areas of the zoo as appropriate or have special Wildlife Chats with additional information provided by curators or zookeepers.

On-Site Courses will require three hours or less.

2024 – 2025 Training Modules:

July 2024 - Entry Courses
August 2024 - Birds
September 2024 - Reptiles and Amphibians

January 2025 - Entry Courses
February 2025 - Primates
March 2025 - Big Cats

April 2025 - New Entry Courses
May 2025 - African Plains
June 2025 - Aquatic Mammals, Ambassador Animals

Minimum Requirements:
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Able to perform duties in a team and/or individually with minimal supervision
· Able to perform duties in varied weather conditions (i.e. heat, cold, snow or rain)
· Maintains friendly, positive attitude towards guests
· Able to maintain appropriate volunteer appearance
· Able to adhere to all safety protocols
· Able to maintain confidentiality regarding the Zoo’s animals when required
· Subject to criminal background check
· Must complete a combination of online and in person training.
· Must commit to a minimum of 50 annual service hours unless opting for continued associate status (as explained above)

Age Requirements: All Docents must be 21+.

Application: To apply for the Docent program, click here.

What will I do?

Term: August 2025 – August 2026; Full time, 40 hours per week

• Support the Zoo’s mission to increase community access and neighborhood programming
• Uplift and advance neighborhood conservation and mission-aligned projects
• Support youth work force development programming in the areas of Animal Care and Conservation
• Collaborate with multiple neighborhood leaders and organizations

What will I get?

• $877.66 biweekly living allowance to cover basic needs
• Health Care benefits
• Child care eligible for VISTAS with children under 13 years of age
• At completion of term VISTAS may choose 1 of the following: $6,895 to pay a range of education expenses (paid directly to educational institution), OR $1,800 as a cash stipend
• Increased eligibility for hire at federal agencies
• Relocation + travel: $750 relocation allowance if moving 50+ miles and $96 a month in travel expenses (monthly SEPTA Transpass)
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Access to a network of national professionals in diverse fields
• Support youth work force development programming in the areas of Animal Care and Conservation
• Collaborate with multiple neighborhood leaders and organizations

How do I apply?

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis here. We will reach out to schedule an interview with qualified candidates and will schedule interviews until this position is filled by July 1, 2025.

The Animal Care Internship provides introductory experience for students interested in a career working with animals. Interns work side by side with KidZooU zookeepers providing routine husbandry for animals in the Zoo's exhibit and teaching collections. Animals in this space include hedgehogs, armadillos, mini horses, rabbits, goats, chickens, sheep, porcupines, parrots, raptors reptiles, invertebrates and more! Please note that the Philadelphia Zoo is a non-contact institution—there will be minimal physical contact with animals.

Learning objectives and job duties include but are not limited to:

Animal well-being
a. Cleaning/disinfecting animal enclosures and other animal-related areas in accordance with Zoo standards/policies and other identified standards of sanitation (e.g. USDA, AZA).
b. Preparing and distributing consumption of animal food in accordance with policies and procedures.
c. Creation and implementation of approved behavioral enrichment and behavioral management programs.
d. Maintaining physical environment of exhibits and other animal-related areas to meet animal physical and psychological needs.

Guest experience
a. Preparing exhibits and building to meet established opening times.
b. Interacting routinely and positively with visitors about the Zoo and animals in their care.

Safety
a. Maintaining current knowledge of Philadelphia Zoo policies and procedures relevant to daily activities and emergencies.
b. Adhering to all safety protocols and area standard operating procedures

Animal and related knowledge
a. Continuing to increase knowledge of animal species in assigned area(s), including natural history, husbandry, enrichment, and individual information, through use of on-site materials and formal and informal training programs and opportunities.
b. May participate in professional development opportunities and course work or continuing education programs. May assist in research programs as assigned.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

1. Ability to complete one of the defined programmatic sessions by committing to a consistent schedule of 1-3 days per week depending on the program period
2. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
3. Ability to attend a scheduled interview and orientation/training
4. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
5. Submission of background checks and COVID vaccination record to Philadelphia Zoo Human Resources

Application: To apply for our Animal Care internship, click here.

The Conservation Education Internship provides college students practical experience in animal observation, education, and conservation. This program includes the opportunity to gain a broad insight into the Zoo community and how it operates. Participants immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Zoo while providing an educational experience to guests. Interns also participate in research opportunities.

Learning objectives and job duties include but are not limited to:

Informal Education
a. Present engaging and educational informal guest experiences that inspire conservation action among the general public, schools, and other education audiences.
b. Provide friendly, outgoing, and exemplary service in accordance with the Zoo’s culture of excellence and commitment to the guest experience.
c. Support “Conservation Stations” strategically located throughout the Zoo, highlighting partnerships, animals, and conservation topics through informative materials and engaging educational games that have been selected and align with the Zoo’s mission.

Facilitating Human/Animal Interactions
a. Ensure safe and positive interactions between guests and animals at various contact or close-contact exhibits throughout the Zoo

Animal and Zoo-related knowledge
a. Expand on working knowledge of animal species in assigned area(s), including conservation status, natural history, husbandry, enrichment, and individual information, through use of on-site materials and formal and informal training programs and opportunities.
b. Learn the purpose and relevance of zoos, and how zoos support animal and human populations worldwide.

Research Projects
a. Work with the Conservation Education Department for the execution of the Zoo’s Animal Department’s ethograms to assist in gathering information on the behaviors of a specific in-house species through observations in various locations in the Zoo.
b. Support Zoo-wide surveying initiatives through the collection of data in multiple forms from guests as they navigate their personal Zoo experience.

Zoo Safety Protocols
a. Maintain current knowledge of Philadelphia Zoo policies and procedures relevant to daily activities and emergencies.
b. Adhere to all safety protocols and area standard operating procedures

Requirements include but are not limited to:

1. Ability to complete one of the defined programmatic sessions by committing to a consistent schedule of 1-3 days per week depending on the program period
2. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
3. Ability to attend a scheduled interview and orientation/training
4. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
5. Submission of background checks and COVID vaccination record to Philadelphia Zoo Human Resources

Application: To apply for the Conservation Education Internship, click here.

For college students looking for hands on experience in Event Planning there is no better place than the Philadelphia Zoo to enhance your portfolio by executing numerous events in our unique landscape. With guidance from a manager, Unpaid Events Interns gain skills in preparing event documents, project coordination, and event execution. Through this opportunity, qualified candidates will gain insight in all the stages of planning, developing, and executing an event from inception to completion throughout their internship with the Events department.

Learning objectives and job duties include but are not limited to:

a. Implement Strategy and Planning:  Contribute to the strategic planning of both internal and external events held at the Philadelphia Zoo.
b. Support Project-Based Work: Assist the Events Department with project-based tasks, including client-facing events and internal Zoo events.
c. Participate in Meetings: Attend client meetings, site visits, and in-house staff meetings as needed.
d. Logistics Coordination: Engage in weekly Logistics Meetings to discuss and advise on upcoming event details based on event fulfillment memos.
e. Additional Duties: Fulfill other responsibilities assigned by the Director of Event Sales and Operations and Event Managers.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

1. Rising Sophomore or Junior in an accredited Program studying Event, Marketing, Communications, Hospitality or other applicable major.
2. Ability to commit to a minimum of 16 hours/week from September 8th, 2024 to December 7th, 2024.
3. Ability to attend a scheduled interview prior to August 15, 2024.
4. If accepted, completion of online orientation/training prior to start date.
5. Submission of background checks and COVID vaccination record to Philadelphia Zoo Human Resources.
6. Preference is given to students who can earn course credit through unpaid internship participation.
7. Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.
8. Must be able to lift and move items up to 30lbs.
9. Availability to work evenings and weekends.
10. Possession of the following Interpersonal skills: comfortable working both independently and in a team setting; excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented thinking and strategic decision making; strong written and verbal communication skills; and ability to manage a variety of tasks and complete priorities accurately under deadline pressure.

Application: To apply for the Events Internship, click here.

Learning objectives and job duties include but are not limited to:

a. Implement Design Planning and Schedules: Contribute to planning and design of signage, environmental graphics, and publication projects on time and within budget.
b. Support Project-Based Work: Assist the Creative Team with project-based tasks, including guest-facing graphics and internal publications.
c. Participate in Meetings: Attend meetings, site visits, and in-house staff meetings as needed.
d. Logistics Coordination: Engage in weekly check-in meetings to discuss and plan upcoming projects.
e. Photo and Logo Library organization: Assist with filing designs, logos, photos, and projects. Clean up existing databases as needed.
f. Additional Duties: Fulfill other responsibilities assigned by the Art Director and Senior Designer.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

1. Major/Program experience necessary in graphic design, branding, and environmental signage. Includes in-depth knowledge of Adobe design programs, including working with fonts, files, photos.
2. Ability to commit to a minimum of 18 hours/week between May 8th-August 17th 2025 or June 8th-September 6th 2025, totaling a minimum of 240 hours.
3. Ability to attend a scheduled interview prior to May 2. If accepted, completion of online orientation/training prior to start date.
4. Submission of background checks and COVID vaccination records to Philadelphia Zoo Human Resources.
5. Preference is given to students who can earn course credit through unpaid internship participation.
6. Ability to perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Application: To apply for the Graphic Design Internship, click here.

Fall
Applications Accepted: May 1- July 1
Interviews: July 1-Aug 15th
Fall Option 1: September 7th -November 22nd, 2025. Orientation September 6th
Fall Option 2: September 21st – December 6th, 2025. Orientation September 20th

Spring
Applications Accepted: Aug 1 – Nov 1
Interviews: Nov 1 - Dec 15
Spring Option 1: January 11-April 18th 2026. Orientation January 10 (Animal Care only)
Spring Option 2: February 1st– May 9th, 2026. Orientation Jan 31

Summer
Application Deadline: Jan 1 – March 15
Interviews: Feb 1 – March 31
Summer Option 1: May 17th – August 16th 2026. Orientation May 16th
Summer Option 2: June 7th – September 5th 2026. Orientation June 6th