The Philadelphia Zoo offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups ranging in abilities and in age from 14 to 90+ years old. Most of the Zoo’s approximately 500 volunteers support our education programs in an on-going basis, teaching Zoo visitors about animals and conservation projects. Additionally, volunteers provide office assistance and professional services. One-time opportunities are offered depending upon seasonal programming. Further, the Zoo utilizes over 175 interns each year, providing individuals with valuable career experience in a variety of fields including animal care, education and business administration.
Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year and are essential members of our staff, helping the Zoo advance our educational programs and conservation efforts. Our many programs offer a variety of volunteer experiences, with a range of commitment levels and training.
If you are seeking to advance your career, please consider our
internship programs.
Benefits of being a zoo volunteer include:
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Complimentary admission passes and parking
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Discounts on food, gift shop purchases and more
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One free uniform shift and ID badge
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Invitations to recognition eventsMonthly newsletter
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Fun working with some great staff and volunteers!
Not all opportunities are a good fit for all potential volunteers, so please read the program descriptions carefully before submitting an application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We are unable to arrange job shadows or volunteer opportunities with our veterinary staff.
Please note that most volunteer opportunities do not involve direct contact with animals.
Zoo volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Too young to volunteer? Consider enrolling in one of our
summer camps!
Interested in having the Philadelphia Zoo to participate in your school’s Career Day? Please send your request to
education@phillyzoo.org.
Still have questions? Be sure to visit the Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact the Volunteer Office at volunteer@phillyzoo.org or 215-243-5200.
Current Volunteers & Volunteer Coordinators Log In Here.
To look for paid job opportunities within the Philadelphia Zoo, check our Job Opportunities section.
FOR: Adults
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted September 1 – March 31
COMMITMENT: Attend a minimum of 4 meetings per year
REQUIRED SKILLS: Digital photography, internet
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Annual dues, Zoo membership, successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Our Camera Club is for adult Zoo members with an interest in photography; members range from amateurs to professionals. The club meets monthly to share their photos and develop their techniques. Additionally, there are regularly scheduled photo shoots in the Zoo that often include behind-the-scenes access that you would not have otherwise. Members are encouraged to donate their best photos to the Zoo for us to use in our marketing materials including print materials, signage and social media.
FOR: Adults, Teens at least 14 years old, College students
TO APPLY: Volunteers are recruited in September
COMMITMENT: One 3.5 hour shift
REQUIRED SKILLS: Customer service, working with children, ability to volunteer outdoors
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Sign a liability waiver
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: It’s our annual Halloween event! Guests enjoy trick or treating in the Zoo, free with admission. Approximately 75 volunteers per shift are needed to help with candy distribution and Halloween-themed crafts and games. We can accommodate groups of up to 25 people.
FOR: Teens at least 16 years old
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted February 1 – April 30
COMMITMENT: 90 hours (summers only)
REQUIRED SKILLS: Working with children
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Did you love camp as a kid? Have you ever wanted to learn what it takes to be a camp counselor? Volunteering as a Camp Counselor Assistant at the Philadelphia Zoo will teach you everything you need to know.
FOR: Adults, College students
TO APPLY: Click here for instructions
COMMITMENT: 10 – 12 weeks, hours vary by season and assignment
REQUIRED SKILLS: Varies by internship
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Career internships offer ambitious individuals a chance to gain valuable work experience in an exciting and dynamic atmosphere. We seek professionally-minded, motivated, energetic and capable people for our high-level internship positions.
FOR: Adults, Teens at least 14 years old, College students
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted March 1 – May 15
COMMITMENT: Minimum of six 4 hour shifts between April 1 and October 31
REQUIRED SKILLS: Customer service, public speaking
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Conservation Stewards provide interpretation and support for the seasonal experience between April 1 and October 31. During all activities, Conservation Steward will be sharing the Zoo’s message about saving wildlife. Conservation Stewards may work alone or be paired with education staff and volunteers. Volunteers who complete the Conservation Stewards program are eligible to apply for additional volunteer opportunities in the Zoo.
Click here for more information.
FOR: Adults
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted throughout the year. Training course begins in the early fall.
COMMITMENT: 90 weekday hours or 60 weekend hours per year
REQUIRED SKILLS: Customer service, public speaking
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Annual dues, Zoo membership, successful completion of required background checks, successful completion of training course
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Docents participate in a variety of programs to support the Zoo. They give guided tours, ranging from general tours to special tours on adaptations, endangered species, habitats, Zoo horticulture, art and architecture. Docents also staff Just Ask carts and mobile stations located throughout the Zoo using artifacts and biofacts to engage the public in conversation, answer questions and serve as interpreters of the animal kingdom.
FOR: Teens in their junior or senior year of high school
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted September 1 – March 31
COMMITMENT: 80 hours
REQUIRED SKILLS: Customer service, public speaking
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be fulfilling school-mandated service project, availability during the school year, successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The High School Internship is designed to give high school students in their senior or junior year practical experience in environmental education and the opportunity to gain a broad background of the Zoo community and how it operates. Interns will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Zoo’s everyday operations while providing an educational experience to our guests.
FOR: Teens at least 14 years old
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted September 1 – October 31
COMMITMENT: Minimum one year of service; two 8-hour shifts per month during the school year, one 8-hour shift per week during the summer
REQUIRED SKILLS: Customer service, public speaking
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: This opportunity is for highly independent, outgoing, high school aged students that enjoy interacting with guests and have a passion for animals and conservation. Junior Ambassadors lead organized activities and informal conversations to share the Zoo's mission of conservation with our guests.
FOR: Teens currently in 9th grade
TO APPLY: Applications are accepted January 1 – April 15
COMMITMENT: Three years
REQUIRED SKILLS: Punctuality, ability to work in a team
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must currently be in 9th grade, preference is given to students from challenged communities, successful completion of required background checks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Zoo Champions for Restoring Endangered Wildlife (Zoo CREW), formerly Junior Zoo Apprentice Program (JZAP), is a 3 year program that inspires and guides teens, primarily from lower-income households, in conservation action that directly helps an endangered animal species.