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Volunteer

Dallas Zoo volunteers sitting in a wooded area

Volunteer

We couldn’t do what we do without our valued volunteers. Volunteers are valued members of the Zoo team, generously contributing over 100,000 service hours each year!

Contact Us

469.554.7453 or Volunteers@DallasZoo.com

Dallas Zoo volunteer supporting the kids camps and educational activities.

(Ages 13-17)

Youth Volunteers

Zoo Crew is perfect for teens who are interested in a career in the zoo field! You’ll gain hands-on experience and learn about the many different departments at the Dallas Zoo, including guest services, special events, education, animal care, and much more. Interested applicants must complete a Zoo Crew Training Program to be considered.

Apply Now
Dallas Zoo volunteers caring for the baby penguins.

College Internship Program

The Dallas Zoo College Internship Program provides a learning opportunity for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited college/university in the United States. Interns become actively involved in the Zoo’s animal care departments, conservation/research efforts, operations, and/or administrative positions.

Apply Now
Dallas Zoo volunteer packing up food to feed the Zoo animals.

(Ages 18+)

Adult Volunteers

Adult volunteers must be 18 years or older, be a U.S. national and have a social security number (for our background check purposes). For more information or questions about any adult volunteer opportunity, email Volunteers@DallasZoo.com or call 469.554.7453.

Adults Application

Adult Volunteer Opportunities:

Animal Nutrition Center Volunteers

Animal Nutrition Center volunteers assist the Zoo’s nutritionist in the preparation of animal diets. If you’ve always wondered what elephants and chimpanzees eat each day, this is a fascinating opportunity to participate in the behind-the-scenes care and feeding routine of our Zoo animals. Volunteers must commit to one morning shift per week.

Conservation Ambassadors

Conservation Ambassadors are dedicated to educating guests about animals, natural history, wildlife conservation, and new happenings at the Dallas Zoo. They serve as interpretive guides in stations throughout the Zoo and are trained to utilize biofacts, animal observation, interesting facts, and conservation messages to help interpret Zoo animals and exhibits for our guests. This placement is ideal for people who love to learn, have good verbal communication skills, and enjoy interacting with diverse audiences. Conservation Ambassadors have an active role in communicating directly with guests. Volunteers often walk to and from placements and may stand for extended periods of time interacting with guests. Reasonable accommodations can be made. The Dallas Zoo is open in all weather conditions and volunteers should come prepared for inclement weather.

Special Project Volunteers

These volunteers assist our organization in many unique ways. Individuals with special skills (welders, carpenters and electricians) are needed for projects throughout the year.

Special Event Volunteers

Special event volunteers staff a wide variety of events held at the Zoo throughout the year. They provide hospitality and information, staff games and activities for children and may assist with set-up or preparation work. This position requires flexibility, enthusiasm and a love of people.

Keeper Aide Volunteers

Keeper Aides work behind the scenes with our zoologists to help care for our diverse collection of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This position provides an opportunity to learn from Zoo professionals as you assist with many critical daily tasks that impact an animal’s health and welfare. These positions require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to perform physically demanding work in all weather conditions. The work can be strenuous and dirty. Volunteers must make a commitment of one morning shift per week, 7 a.m. to noon, on the same day each week for one year. (Flexible schedules are not available.) There may be a waiting list for placements in this area.