Denver Zoo offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about wildlife conservation and education. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or someone looking to get more involved in your local community, the Denver Zoo has something for everyone.
Volunteer Requirements
To become a Denver Zoo volunteer, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. |
| Commitment | A minimum of one-year commitment with 16 to 24 shifts per year, depending on the position. |
| Orientation | Attend a one-day orientation called Zoo U. |
| Training Fee | Pay a $15 training fee, which includes the Zoo U orientation and a Denver Zoo name badge (scholarship support available upon request). |
| Skills | Enthusiasm and a love for wildlife are essential; some positions may require specific skills or experience. |
Types of Volunteer Activities
Denver Zoo offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, each with its own unique responsibilities and requirements. Here are some of the available activities:
Animal Visibility Scans
As an animal visibility volunteer, you’ll be responsible for monitoring the visibility of animals in their exhibits and reporting any changes or concerns to the animal care team.
Enrichment Building
Enrichment is an essential part of animal welfare, and as an enrichment building volunteer, you’ll help create and assemble various toys and activities to stimulate the animals’ natural behaviors.
Exhibit Maintenance
Keeping the zoo’s exhibits clean and well-maintained is crucial, and as an exhibit maintenance volunteer, you’ll assist with tasks such as cleaning, landscaping, and minor repairs.
Shadowing Horticulture Volunteers (March–October)
If you have a green thumb and a passion for plants, you can shadow the horticulture volunteers and learn about the zoo’s diverse plant life and its role in the ecosystem.
Shadowing Guest Experience Volunteers
As a guest experience volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with visitors, answer questions, and help enhance their overall zoo experience.
Application Process
Becoming a Denver Zoo volunteer is a straightforward process, but it’s important to note that applications are currently closed. When the application process reopens, here’s what you can expect:
- Review the Opportunity Guide: Browse the different volunteer opportunities available and determine which one best suits your interests and skills.
- Apply: When the application process is open, you can submit your application through the Denver Zoo’s volunteer website.
- Acceptance and Next Steps: If your application is accepted, you’ll be notified via email and must pass a criminal background check and attend the Zoo U orientation.
Additional Opportunities
In addition to the core volunteer activities, Denver Zoo offers two unique programs for those looking to get more involved:
The Herd
The Herd is a group for young professionals focused on wildlife conservation, offering unique volunteer opportunities and membership benefits. To learn more, you can contact the Herd at [email protected].
Teen Advisory Council
The Teen Advisory Council is designed for high school students, providing opportunities to interact with Denver Zoo staff, plan events, and shape teen programs. If you’re a high school student interested in this program, you can find more information on the Denver Zoo’s website.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can reach out to the Denver Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator, Brianna Cronin, at (720) 337-1619 or [email protected].
Resources
By becoming a Denver Zoo volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation, education, and the overall visitor experience. Whether you’re interested in animal care, exhibit maintenance, or guest engagement, the Denver Zoo has a volunteer role that’s perfect for you.