Adults Apply Now! Youth Apply Now!

“Volunteers are integral and valued partners in helping the Calgary Zoo reach its vision to be a leader in wildlife conservation.”

Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Care, Health & Welfare
Guest Services
Horticulture
Conservation Education
Visitor Engagement
Special Events and Experiences
Conservation Support
Administrative Support
Other Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Care, Health & Welfare

Animal Care, Health & Welfare volunteers help prepare food or enrichment for animals and assist with cleaning of back of house areas of enclosures. These volunteer roles suit people who are looking for a future career in animal care at the zoo or in field research.

Guest Services

Volunteers may be involved with greeting guests, providing clerical support to retail operations, assisting at private events or roaming the grounds as a zoo mascot. If you enjoy engaging with visitors, this opportunity will suit you.

Horticulture

Horticulture volunteers may help maintain the zoo grounds or interact with visitors in the butterfly garden during the summer.

Conservation Education

The Conservation Education team and volunteers provide programs for school groups, zoo school and team builders. Volunteers may also represent the zoo at community events.

Visitor Engagement

Visitor engagement provides the largest number of volunteer opportunities. These opportunities communicate the zoo’s role as a conservation champion through touch tables and daily programs, and help manage animal/people interactions in places like Penguin Plunge and Land of Lemurs. These volunteers are positive, friendly, knowledgeable and comfortable speaking to small groups.

Special Events and Experiences

The zoo relies on volunteers to welcome visitors, provide them with directions or assistance, and make their visit an enjoyable one. There are many opportunities throughout the zoo for these types of interactions. Throughout the year, the zoo offers special events including Easter Eggstravaganza and ZOOLIGHTS. There are many ways to contribute – setting up, supervising crafts, providing conservation messaging, tending fire pits, and the list goes on!

Conservation Support

Conservation volunteers help to move our conservation projects forward. Whether you are spending a few weeks in the field to assist with data collection or scanning through photos taken by wildlife cameras, the time you commit in this area directly impacts the zoo’s mission to take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places.

Administrative Support

Administrative volunteers gain valuable experience which can help them in their search for a job. This area often involves data entry, filing, working with systems, and more!

Other Volunteer Opportunities

At times, we have very unique volunteer opportunities arise that require us to look for a volunteer with a specific set of skills. These can vary greatly and will always be posted on our recruitment site for you to apply for.

Guiding Principles

Diversity and Inclusion

The zoo will demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion

Information

Volunteers and staff will have an ongoing, reciprocal exchange of information and ideas

Environment

Volunteers will experience a safe, fun, friendly, supportive, and educational environment

Opportunities

Volunteers will find opportunity for personal growth and development

Support

Volunteers will be supported, trained, and recognized for their innovation

Partnerships

Volunteers and staff will be recognized for their effective partnerships and support of each other

Becoming An Adult Volunteer

Step 1. Application

Complete our online application which gives us important information about who you are. Apply to be a volunteer today! You then need to attend a group interview which gives you an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about volunteering at the zoo.

Step 2. Training

Once your application is accepted, you will be provided with training to ensure you are set up for success as a Calgary Zoo Volunteer. Our training program includes online training, an in-person orientation, and a one on one familiarization with a Calgary Zoo staff member.

Step 3. Probation

The first 20 hours of your volunteer time with us is probation. This allows you to try out and shadow a number of different opportunities across the zoo while being supported by an experienced volunteer.

Apply to be an Adult Volunteer
Are you Under 18? Click here!

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Junior Zoo Guides

The Junior Zoo Guide Program, In Proud Partnership With RBC Foundation.

Junior Zoo Guides are youth ages 14-17 who make a one year commitment to volunteer their time at the zoo. This is the only opportunity available for those under 18 to volunteer at the zoo.

Junior Zoo Guide volunteers donate their skills to our year-round operation in areas such as Visitor Engagement, Customer Experience, Summer Camps, and Special Events like ZOOLIGHTS and Easter Eggstravaganza.

Requirements of the Program:
  • Be between 14-17 years of age
  • Commit to volunteer 80 hours/year (60 hours in the summer and 20 hours for special events)
  • Attend an interview, orientation, and a training session
  • Wear a uniform at all times
  • Be dependable and enthusiastic
  • Be able to complete shifts independently
Responsibilities of Junior Zoo Guides:
  • Act as an ambassador for the zoo and provide a positive experience for visitors
  • Educate the public on animals and conservation
  • Greet visitors as they enter the zoo
  • Share maps, activities, knowledge, and energy with visitors
  • Support summer camp staff during daily activities
  • Assist staff with various conservation and community events throughout the year, including ZOOLIGHTS
Apply to be a Junior Zoo Guide