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Volunteer Opportunities

The Heart of the Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups ranging in abilities and in age from 14 to adults. Most volunteers support daily operations and education programs in an ongoing basis, teaching Zoo visitors about animals and conservation projects. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year and are essential members of our team! Our many programs offer a variety of volunteer experiences with a range of commitment levels and training.

Docent at BCF
Volunteers helping in the nursery

Time Commitment & Recruitment Process

Most volunteer programs require a one-year commitment but all are encouraged to apply. Some short-term and single-day opportunities are available seasonally.

Each volunteer opportunity has an application and interview process. If accepted, volunteers must submit a background check and complete initial training. All volunteer positions require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing at the volunteer’s expense. Selection and training for most positions takes place once per season based on school calendars, zoo needs, or other factors. Please see each position description for information on requirements for that particular program.

Volunteer & Internship Programs

The minimum requirements (unless otherwise noted) for our volunteer and internship programs are as follows:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior
  • Able to perform volunteer duties in a team and/or individually with minimal supervision
  • Able to perform volunteer 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 zoo safety policies
  • Able to maintain confidentiality regarding the Zoo’s animals when required
  • Subject to criminal background check (not required for Special Events volunteers)
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Local volunteers helping in seeds cleaning
2019 Interns Wings of Asia
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Current Volunteer & Internship Programs

Volunteer Ambassadors

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.

Special Events Volunteers

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.

College Internships

The Philadelphia Zoo offers exciting and unique internships that help participants reach a range of academic and professional goals. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, accepted students must be available for the entirety of the designated program period, and able to commit to a consistent schedule (including holidays and weekends).

Age Requirements: College Internships are available to volunteers aged 18+ who are current college students or recent graduates.

Training: All applicants must complete an interview with Volunteer Programs staff. Accepted students must online orientation training prior to the start of their shift.

2024 Internship Dates

Spring: January 14- April 20, 2024 (Animal Care only)
Must commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 1-3 days per week.
Summer: May 19, 2024 -August 24, 2024
Must commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 2-3 days per week.
Fall: September 8, 2024 – December 7, 2024
Must commit to a consistent weekly schedule of 1-3 days per week.

2024 Application Deadlines

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible for internships due to the limited number of positions that are available. Applications received after the following deadlines will not be considered.

Spring 2024: Closed
Summer 2024: Closed
Fall 2024: August 15, 2024

Animal Care Internship

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.

Conservation Education Internship

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.

Docent Program

Philadelphia Zoo Docents are volunteer educators and complete several weeks of training on all areas of the zoo to become experts on animals in the Philadelphia Zoo. Join our waitlist to be notified when training dates become available.

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.

Age Requirements: All Docents must be 21+.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a volunteer?

Fill out the online application for the program of your choice, and ensure all portions have been completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Those whose application is considered will receive an email from volunteer programs staff to setup an interview. Upon completion of the interview individuals invited into the volunteer services are required to complete paperwork as well as a PA criminal background check and child abuse clearance. Volunteers who have lived outside of PA in the past 10 years will also be required to submit fingerprinting. All new volunteers complete online orientation and additional onsite training that includes a tour of the zoo and discussion of policies and protocols. Some positions require additional specialized training prior to receiving access to volunteer shifts in that area. Individuals can start signing up for shifts once these steps are complete!

How many hours are required to volunteer? What days and times are available?

Each position has a different time requirement and level of commitment. Shifts vary depending on the needs of the zoo and staff and volunteer availability.

As a volunteer will I be trained to handle zoo animals?

Volunteers will not handle any of the zoo animals or have access to animal exhibits. Only students participating in Animal Care Internships will receive professional experience working with zookeepers behind the scenes of the zoo.

Are there short-term volunteer positions?

Special Events Volunteers are able to complete one service day per year to remain active. Please refer to the position description for more detailed information.

Do I need a background check to volunteer?

All volunteers must provide a recent background check to be considered for our volunteer program.

Do you provide shadowing opportunities?

We receive many requests annually for short term shadowing opportunities and are unfortunately unable to accommodate such requests.