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Thompson Park Conservancy test page
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    • Home
    • Plan A Visit
      • Hours & Admission
      • To do at the Zoo
      • Zoo Rules & Policies
    • EXPLORE
      • Meet the Animals
      • Onsite Programs
      • Outreach Programs
      • Field Trips
      • Summer Reading Program
    • EVENTS
      • Events Calendar
      • Birthday Parties
      • Plan your event
      • Vendor Application
    • SUPPORT
      • Donate
      • Membership
      • Volunteer
      • Item Wish List
      • Winter Appeal 25-26
      • Become a Sponsor
    • About
      • Our Mission and History
      • Board Of Directors
      • JCC Survey 2023
      • Annual Community Report
      • Zoo Staff
      • Contact Us
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  • Home
  • Plan A Visit
    • Hours & Admission
    • To do at the Zoo
    • Zoo Rules & Policies
  • EXPLORE
    • Meet the Animals
    • Onsite Programs
    • Outreach Programs
    • Field Trips
    • Summer Reading Program
  • EVENTS
    • Events Calendar
    • Birthday Parties
    • Plan your event
    • Vendor Application
  • SUPPORT
    • Donate
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Item Wish List
    • Winter Appeal 25-26
    • Become a Sponsor
  • About
    • Our Mission and History
    • Board Of Directors
    • JCC Survey 2023
    • Annual Community Report
    • Zoo Staff
    • Contact Us
  • NEWS
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Become a Volunteer

The success of Zoo New York depends on the support and participation of our community. We are always looking for enthusiastic, caring, hardworking, & dedicated people to participate in our volunteer program. You can help by donating your time and talents in many ways. Scroll down for a calendar of volunteer opportunities, applications, and more information.


For all volunteer questions and enrollment, please contact 

Steve Chorma at volunteers@zoonewyork.org

Join Our Volunteer Team!!

Winter Volunteer Hours 

Walk-In Volunteers:  Thursday- Sunday         11:00-3:00

Scheduled Volunteers: Sunday-Saturday  10:00-4:00

(RSVP by contacting: volunteers@zoonewyork.org)


Snow Removal

Keeping pathways clear of snow helps our team care for the animals, work safely, and provide welcoming guest experiences. When snow falls in Watertown, volunteer opportunities will be available to help clear pathways at Zoo New York. Please contact us before coming to volunteer so we can confirm safe access to the zoo. We must first ensure city crews have had time to clear roads through Thompson Park leading up to the Zoo. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own shovels, snowblowers, or plows- please let us know what equipment you plan to bring when contacting us.


Where to Park

  • Walk-in Volunteers:          Main Lot/Main Entrance
  • Scheduled Volunteers:    Staff Lot/Staff Entrance


What to Expect 

Upon arrival, you will sign-in at the volunteer station and check-in with a staff member. Your assigned staff member will direct you to the right location and help you gather supplies. Tasks will vary. Gloves and close-toed shoes are recommended. Please no sandals or flip flops.  Bring your favorite tools if you like as available tools are limited.  


Please contact volunteers@zoonewyork.org to schedule a time to volunteer. If you are unable to schedule a time, walk-in hours are available. Walk-in volunteers arriving outside of the designated hours will not be accommodated. 

Volunteer Today

Groups

Zoo New York loves welcoming groups of all ages to volunteer – from Scout troops & religious groups to corporate & military groups. The majority of these opportunities are available during the spring and summer months. Duties may include mulching, weeding, raking, painting, & other essential activities to help maintain the beauty of Zoo grounds and animal habitats.

The Zoo hosts seasonal Project days that are perfect for group volunteers.  The first step to this process is contacting the volunteer coordinator, Steve Chorma at <volunteers@zoonewyork.org>.

Event Volunteers

We rely on volunteers to help with all of our special events. You may be asked to staff a table, host a game, manage crowds, greet visitors, or many other tasks depending on the event.  Event Volunteers volunteer for specific events only and are not required to go through the interview/orientation process, however they will still be required to fill out the application and attend an instruction session on the day of the event.  Our biggest events require many volunteers. These events are :  

 

Brew at the Zoo - Volunteers 21+ to pour samples throughout the zoo -   low physical impact opportunity,  great for couples or besties as volunteers are teamed up at tables.  ( 20 + volunteers needed.)


Boo at the Zoo - Each date is a separate event needing 25+ volunteers of any age. Family friendly trick or treating throughout the zoo with games, food, crafts and candy. Dress up and have fun. This is a perfect opportunity for groups and families to get involved. 

Garden Volunteers

Zoo New York has an "Adopt a Garden" Program for volunteers with a green thumb! There are many sections of the zoo grounds that require flower or bush pruning and maintenance. To "adopt" one of these sections, email volunteers@zoonewyork.org


The butterfly house and barn will be staffed by volunteers throughout the season.  Training is provided,  Shifts are flexible and you choose how long and how often you want to participate. Shifts can be 1 to 4 hours long depending on your preference and are available daily between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. 

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Zoo New York

1 Thompson Park, Watertown NY 13601

315-782-6180

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Your support helps provide exceptional animal care, educational programs and meaningful experiences for our community.

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Copyright © 2026 Zoo New York - All Rights Reserved.


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