Volunteer at the Zoo

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Zoo New York.

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 Leanne Frazee <volunteers@zoonewyork.org>.

Become a Volunteer

Are you interested in volunteering at the Zoo? Submit an application. We offer volunteer orientations a few times throughout the year! Orientations are a great opportunity to learn about volunteer options, duties, and expectations. Each one will include a meet-n-greet, handbook review, and facility tour.

General volunteers (our regulars) , over the age of 16, have been through interviews and training and are able to volunteer freely on their own time through a process. ( Don't worry! Under 16 can volunteer with an adult, in appropriate settings.) If you are interested in becoming " a regular" , the first step is an interview with the volunteer coordinator.

Walk-in Volunteer Opportunities

Walk- in volunteer opportunities will be available on the following dates: (Tasks will primarily be grounds work, cleaning, gardening, painting and other outdoor activities.

May- 6, 13, 20, 27 (Wednesdays 10-4) 9, 23 ( Saturdays 10-4)

June- 3, 10, 17, 24 (Wednesdays 10-4) 13, 27 ( Saturdays 10-4)

July- 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Wednesdays 10-4) 11, 25 ( Saturdays 10-4)

Aug- 5, 12, 19, 26 (Wednesdays 10-4) 8, 22 ( Saturdays 10-4)

Sept- 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Wednesdays 10-4) 26 ( Saturdays 10-4)

Oct- 7, 14, 21, 28 (Wednesdays 10-4) 10 ( Saturdays 10-4)

Walk- in gardening opportunities will be available on the following dates:

April- 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 30 (12-3)

May - 6, 13, 20, 27 (Wednesdays 10-4)

9,16,23,30 (Saturdays 12-3)

10, 17, 24, 31 (Sundays 12-3)

What to Expect

Upon arrival you will need to park in the main lot and enter the zoo at the main entrance. You will sign-in at the volunteer table, and then go to the main desk where you will be directed to the right location. 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. RSVP is not necessary but appreciated for planning purposes.

( to volunteers@zoonewyork.org )

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, Leanne Frazee 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- September 12 - 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- October 17,18,24,25 - 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.