Volunteer FAQs
1. When will I hear back regarding my application?
2. What are the requirements to volunteer?
3. What happens if I do not meet your volunteer requirements?
4. Do I need to pass any background checks?
5. How much do the clearances cost?
6. Am I allowed to touch or interact with the animals when I volunteer?
7. What might I do as a volunteer?
8. Can I volunteer with friends from a local group or co-workers?
9. Can I bring my child along to volunteer?
10. I need to complete court-mandated service. Can I do my service hours at the Zoo?
11. I am a high school student who needs to complete community service hours to graduate. Can I do my service hours at the Zoo?
Applications are numerous at the Zoo. If your interest and availability match our needs, we will contact you via email within two to four (2-4) weeks. Please be sure to check the email address listed on your application, including spam folders! Applicants without email will receive a letter.
You must meet our availability requirements along with any additional skill sets required for the volunteer positions. Please be aware that our needs are constantly changing but current information is always posted on the website.
We will keep your information on file for ninety (90) days. If anything changes regarding our needs, we will contact you.
Criminal Background check at orientation and a current, cleared PA Child Abuse History Clearance within 30 days of attending orientation.
Volunteers 18 years and older whose permanent residence is outside of Pennsylvania must also present a cleared FBI Criminal Background check, including fingerprinting. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of these background checks.
Prices may vary depending on state and background check. As of 2012, a PA State Criminal Background check costs $10.00; a PA Child Abuse Clearance costs $10.00 and only money orders are accepted.
FBI Clearances are $18.00 plus the cost of fingerprinting. Contact your local police department to find out if they provide fingerprinting services. You may also contact Rosa Fingerprinting Center City at www.fingerprint-phila.com.
For adults, the only volunteer opportunity that allows contact with animals is the Animal Care Internship. Positions are limited and highly competitive.
High school students have the opportunity to work directly with animals in the Zoo CREW program and the Junior Ambassador Program (second year only).
Otherwise, for the safety of our animals and staff, there are no volunteer opportunities that work directly with animals.
You can volunteer in many different capacities. Please check the website for a complete list of our current opportunities.
Please note that volunteers do not assist with caring for animals like primates and big cats or perform janitorial tasks.
Yes! We welcome groups from any organization to come and help out with Boo at the Zoo, held the last two weekends in October. Additional opportunities may be available for corporate groups and organization-sponsored community service days. Please contact the Volunteer Office to inquire about available opportunities.
Children who are at least 14 years old and in high school are welcome to apply for one of our high school volunteer programs. At Boo at the Zoo, volunteers must be least 14 years old but do not need to be in high school, although chaperones will be required. Volunteers younger than 14 years old will not be permitted to serve.
At this time, we do not offer service to court-mandated volunteers.
We offer the High School Internship program to juniors or seniors completing mandatory service to graduate. Our interns must complete at least 80 hours of service to receive credit from the Zoo.
Students who do not meet these qualifications are encouraged to consider our other volunteer programs or volunteering for Boo at the Zoo.
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