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 Who are Denver Zoo Volunteers?
For more information, call: (303) 376-4886.
2008 Volunteer Open House!
Join us for a Volunteer Open House in Norgren Hall in the Gates Education Center on Saturday, August 16 from 9 – 11 am.
- Learn about the Volunteer Program and meet current Denver Zoo Volunteers.
- Find out how to become a year-round volunteer.
- Talk with staff and volunteers about the many volunteer opportunities available to you. Volunteer applications will be available.
- Schedule an interview.
- Find out how YOU can get involved!
ZooU Training
All year-round volunteers participate in a training and orientation session called ZooU. At this training you receive an introduction to Denver Zoo, its mission, Education staff and Volunteers and activities you will be able to participate in as a Denver Zoo Volunteer.
ZooU sessions for year-round volunteers will be held on Saturdays, September 20 and 27 and October 4, 2008. |
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Become a Denver Zoo Volunteer!
Denver Zoo is always seeking new volunteers with an interest in nature, animals, the zoo and people. Our volunteers are a diverse group from all walks of life and professions drawn together by their passion for nature and the preservation and conservation of the natural world for all to enjoy.
Volunteers are a vital part of Denver Zoo, committed to the zoo's mission and sharing that mission with our guests. Volunteers provide valuable assistance with administrative duties, special events, education programs, community outreach and public interpretation, feeling a sense of satisfaction and pride in a job well done.
What can Volunteers do?
A wide variety of volunteer jobs are available to fit almost everyone's time and interests. Below are some of the many exciting opportunities available to you as a Denver Zoo Volunteer.
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YEAR ROUND VOLUNTEERS
A variety of volunteer opportunities await you as a year round volunteer. The Denver Zoo is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. There is always something fun for you to do!
Ambassador Volunteers:
- Main Gate Ambassador
Work at the Zoo entrance for Denver Zoo members and guests, greet visitors, answer questions and provide information and directions for Zoo guests.
- Administrative Help
Help with administrative projects - from daily office work, to answering telephones, to preparing invitations and large mailings.
- Special Events Assist staff with activities at special events including Wildlights, Boo at the Zoo, Senior Day and private parties. Be a greeter, answer questions or help with fun activities like crafts.
- Family Programs Assist with set-up of crafts, snacks and special activities for our summer day camp, Summer Safari, and our overnight experience, Bunk with the Beasts.
- Behavioral Enrichment
Help our keeper staff develop activities to provide enrichment opportunities for our animals. Our Zoo animals love the variety of activities that challenge their instincts and make their days so interesting.
- Horticulture
Assist the Horticulture staff with projects around the zoo, from pruning and weeding to mulching and exhibit maintenance.
- Maintenance
Assist the Maintenance staff with projects around the zoo.
- Zoo Patrol
In May, meet and greet the hundreds of buses that transport students to the Zoo for spring field trips. Assist the students in safely walking from the bus to the Zoo entrance.
Guide Volunteers
- Guide stations provide zoo guests with basic animal knowledege using prepared interpretive kits.
- Speakers Bureau
Deliver Denver Zoo related presentations to off-site audiences.
Docent Volunteers
- Ask-Me
Provide animal information at specific exhibits, answer visitor questions, show animal biofacts and enhance visitors' Zoo experience.
- Tours
Lead tours for school groups, Zoo members and special programs such as Bunk with the Beasts and W.I.N.-W.I.N. Most tours have a specific focus such as African Animals, Endangered Species or Rainforest Discovery.
- Summer Safari
Assist staff teaching classes for the Zoo's summer camp programs. Classes include tours, games, crafts, live animal demonstrations and special enrichment activities.
- Outreach
Travel to schools, community centers and senior facilities presenting Zoo programs including slide shows and live animals.
- Young Scientists
Supervise students who are learning about the scientific method and exhibit design. Give tours and oversee animal observation and data collection.
- Bunk with the Beasts
Assist staff in our overnight experience for kids with tours, games, live animal demonstrations and special activities.
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How do I get started?
Year round volunteers need to be at least 18 years of age, submit an application (184k PDF), complete an interview and attend a two-day ZooU orientation session. A fee of $25 covers training and handouts. Those who complete this training are Denver Zoo Ambassador Volunteers. Ambassador Volunteers commit to a minimum of 50 hours of service a year, attend five general meetings or other continuing education classes and be a Zoo member.
With additional training Ambassador Volunteers may also become Denver Zoo Guide Volunteers. Guides assist Denver Zoo by performing basic interpretation with zoo guests using prepared interpretive kits and materials, working at guide stations. Guide volunteers commit a minimum of 50 hours of service and attend five general meetings. With additional training Guide Volunteers may become Docent Volunteers. Docents are "volunteer teachers" who provide a wide variety of interpretive and educational opportunities for our Zoo guests.
To learn more about the training schedule for Ambassador Guide and Decent Volunteers call 303-376-4886 or email volunteers@denverzoo.org.
Download the Key Volunteer Requirements (96k PDF) for more specific details about financial commitment, uniform descriptions, and training details.
While a love of animals draws many volunteers to Denver Zoo, volunteers are not directly involved with the handling and care of the Zoo's animals. Volunteers are one of the most visible members of Denver Zoo community and their main goal is to provide the Zoo guests with a quality, educational and enriching experience while they are here.
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How can you contact us?
If becoming a Zoo Volunteer sounds like it's for you, contact us at 303-376-4886. Applications are available on this website. Volunteers may work weekdays or weekends, day or evening. General Volunteer meetings are held the first Tuesday and Saturday of each month. These consist of a "business" meeting and an informative program. A monthly newsletter for all volunteers keeps everyone up-to-date on meetings, volunteer needs, etc. For more information, call: (303) 376-4886 or email volunteers@denverzoo.org.
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Denver Zoo's Mission
Denver Zoo, established in 1896, is home to nearly 4000 animals representing 700 species. It is the most popular cultural attraction in Colorado and is one of the outstanding zoos in the country. Denver Zoological Foundation, its staff and volunteers remain committed to the Mission and Vision.
Mission Statement
- To provide a wildlife conservancy which offers high quality experiences in an urban setting.
- To provide environmental education which inspires public awareness of global conservation.
- To engage in scientific programs which make meaningful contributions to the conservation of animals and their ecosystems.
Vision Statement
- Denver Zoo will be internationally respected as a leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental education and public service.
You can make a difference!! Volunteer at Denver Zoo!
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