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    • Become a Sponsor
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  • About
    • Our Mission and History
    • Board Of Directors
    • JCC Survey 2023
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    • Annual Community Report
    • Zoo Staff
    • Contact Us
    • Zoo Rules & Policies
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    • Brew at the Zoo!
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    • Birthday Parties
    • Plan your event
    • Vendor Application
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  • Visit
    • Plan a Trip To the Zoo
    • Meet the Animals
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    • Onsite Programs
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    • Summer Reading Program
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Volunteer at the Zoo

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

 Never underestimate the power of an individual. Our staff always welcomes the help of those who are looking for a way to contribute to the community. Duties primarily include grounds work, cleaning, gardening, and many other activities.


Do you have a special project in mind? We’d love to hear your ideas and plans!General Volunteers may schedule participation at-will (within hour requirement parameters) after completing the application, interview, and orientation process.


The General Volunteer application is required for all volunteering experiences at the Zoo. 

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. Events include Brew at the Zoo, Boo at the Zoo, Earth Day, and more.

Event volunteers may be one-time participants who are not currently registered with the Volunteer Program; however, an application is still required.  

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

EdZOOcator Program

Our Education Ambassador program, formerly the Docent program, is a perfect opportunity for passionate community members to provide critical support to the Zoo’s mission for science-based experiences.

EdZOOcators (Education Ambassadors) are volunteers directly involved with educating the public about native wildlife, local conservation initiatives, and our own natural history among other topics.

They can participate in many ways to help guests connect to New York’s wildlife, including providing interpretive discussions, guided tours, escorting Animal Ambassadors throughout the zoo, and conducting EdZOOcation programs. If you are interested in signing up for our program please download our form below.

EdZOOcator PROGRAM APPLICATION (pdf)

Download

Volunteer Application (pdf)

Download

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

June 24 & July 11

June 24 & July 11

June 24 & July 11

Watertown Rapids Game

Zoo New York will be at the Watertown Rapids Baseball Games June 24th and July 11th. Volunteer to help us man the table and talk to spectators! Wear your favorite zoo apparel. 

Gates open at 5:30 PM

Game starts at 6:30 PM

July 15

June 24 & July 11

June 24 & July 11

Lewis County Fair Parade

Come walk with us at the Lewis County Fair Parade! Wear your favorite zoo apparel and have fun walking alongside our staff and animal ambassadors.

Parade lineup is at 6:30 PM

July 19

June 24 & July 11

Tuesdays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

CAN-AM Parade

Zoo New York will be at the CAN-AM Parade in Sackets Harbor! Join us as we walk the parade route with our animal ambassadors.

Parade lineup is at 6:30 PM

Tuesdays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

Tuesdays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

Tuesdays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

Painting at the Zoo

Do you want to help spruce up the zoo grounds? Every Tuesday from 10-12, we are going to be painting! Benches, fences, etc. All supplies are provided. All help is appreciated!

Tuesdays 10-12

Fridays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

Tuesdays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

Fridays 10-12 ALL SUMMER

Gardening at the Zoo

Do you want to help spruce up the zoo grounds? Every Friday from 10-12, we are going to be gardening! This includes weeding, planting, mulching, pruning, and other general yard work. All supplies are provided. All help is appreciated!

Fridays 10-12

Thank you for Your Interest in Volunteering

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Guest Services - 315-782-6180

Fax - 315-782-6192

Address: 1 Thompson Park, Watertown, NY 13601

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