Whether you are a high school student or a retiree, if you are a positive, energetic person who likes working with people, the Philadelphia Zoo has the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Volunteers contribute countless hours each year and are essential members of our staff. During the spring, summer and fall, opportunities also may be available for your service organization or group to participate in one-time projects.
Download the Volunteer Application in PDF format. 
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AFZ Camera Club
Both serious-amateur and professional photographers will have a chance to improve their skills and contribute digital images, slides, prints and other photographic services to the Zoo. The group meets monthly, and Zoo membership is required. Click here for more information.
Children's Zoo
Want to find out what it is like to be a zookeeper? Join the Children's Zoo team and get hands-on experience with a wide variety of domestic and exotic animals. Learn about and participate in zookeeping duties by caring for the animal collection, working in the petting yard, assisting with live animal presentations and educational stations and helping to create animal enrichment "toys". This is the best volunteer opportunity for hands-on animal care. Children's Zoo volunteers must be age 14 and older.
College Internships
College internships offer ambitious students a chance to gain valuable work experience in an exciting and dynamic atmosphere. We seek professionally-minded, motivated, energetic and capable students for our high-level internship positions. Find out more.
Volunteer Ambassador
If you are an adult that adores animals, this is the right program for you! Volunteer Ambassadors help with conservation stations, backyard wildlife habitats, Zoo-wide interpretation, special events, animal trail interpretation and more! Find out more.
Hospitality Team
Help the Zoo put its best foot forward by meeting, greeting and helping visitors enjoy their time in our garden. Roam the Zoo assisting guests or work special events during and after Zoo hours.
Office Assistance
Assist the Zoo by offering your office skills in accounting, animal records, development, education, graphics, human resources, marketing, membership, nutrition, pathology and volunteer departments. Assignments are Monday through Friday.
Junior Zoo Apprentice Program
The Zoo offers a unique apprentice program specifically for deserving high school students. The Junior Zoo Apprentice Program (JZAP) is a competitive, work-based, four-year learning program. JZAP is only for students age 14-18. Find out
Junior Ambassador
Conduct organized activities and informal conversations to impart the Zoo's mission of conservation to our guests. We seek highly independent, outgoing, high school aged students to join our Junior Ambassador program.
Summer Camp Counselor Assistants
Join our summer camp programs as we take "trips" into the Zoo to learn about the animal topic of the day, assist in animal lessons in the classroom and animal crafts.
Interested in finding out more? Email volunteer@phillyzoo.org or call 215-243-5200.