Volunteer Program
Volunteers are the driving force behind our mission to serve the community, visitors and wildlife of Alaska.
Why Volunteer?
Have rewarding experiences!
Make programs and events possible!
Cultivate passion for animals!
Lend the zoo a helping hand!
You become an important part of our mission.
You expand your horizons.
Perks:
A zoo volunteer shirt
A name tag
20% off in the Gift Shop
Invitation for you and family a summer party
Annual membership for 50+ hours in a year
Volunteer
We have four options, see below.
Permanent (year-round)
We have a need throughout the year for following: Camp assistant, storyteller, tour guide, event booth leader, petting zoo attendant, habitat cleanup parties, mascots for events, cotton candy spinning for events and monthly animal husbandry work. Other opportunities are added as needed by the zoo.
Opportunities for ages 16 and older only, no exceptions. You must also have access to a mobile device to use our calendar and reliable transportation.
New volunteers are required to give 15 hours in the petting zoo and 20 hours total in the first two months, prior to permanent admission into the program. You become an official zoo volunteer after your first 20 hours is completed.
Attend each zoo event held in the first two months of volunteering, as well as each monthly meeting (6/year required).
To apply, click on the permanent volunteer link below and return the completed application. If you are accepted into the program by our Volunteer Coordinator, you will be asked to pay a small background check fee and you will be invited to the next montly orientation meeting.
Group (Project-based, year-round)
The zoo has projects for your scouts, students or employees. Note: Groups do not work directly with animals. Group projects take place in:
Enclosure Cleaning and Maintenance: Work with a zookeeper to clean animal habitats or with our facility staff on maintenance projects.
Enrichment: Help us make treats for the animals.
Events: Lend a hand at the zoo’s public events! There are opportunities such as making cotton candy, dressing up as a zoo mascot and more.
You will be contacted if your group is matched with a project at the zoo.
Summer Gardening (summer only)
Join the zoo’s Summer Gardening Program to help us make our grounds as beautiful as possible for summer visitors and the animals. Your green thumb will be put to good use as you give back to your community, spend the summer outdoors, make new friends and enjoy the company of zoo animals. Here are the details:
Summer gardening April through August.
Gardening volunteers must commit to a minimum of 4 hours weekly.
Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, etc.
Must be 18 or older with reliable transportation.
Volunteers must have access to a device for our online calendar.
Summer Volunteer (summer only)
>>>>Summer volunteers are age 16 and over. Scroll down this page to see our teen options for ages 13-15!<<<<
Summer is by far the busiest season at the Alaska Zoo, especially in the petting zoo! We are looking for fun, responsible, people with a love of animals. Come join the fun with our goats, rabbit, and chickens while helping visitors, young and old, learn about our zoo.
The time commitment is May through August.
Summer volunteers must be able to commit to at least 4 hours per week.
A mandatory training session will be held in late spring.
Must be 16 or older with reliable transportation.
Volunteers must have access to a device for our online calendar.
We will accept applications for 2025 summer volunteers now through April. Once reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator, you will be contacted if you are selected for the program. You will be asked to attend the next monthly orientation meeting. Orientations start in May.
NEW! Summer Volun-teen Program (summer only)
The Alaska Zoo is proud to provide a volunteer opportunity for young adults ages 13-15. This is perfect for those who are considering a future career with animals, zoos, education, or for those just looking for a fun volunteer opportunity! Volun-teens will have a chance to gain valuable experience and learn skills to help them in their future careers including responsibility, public speaking, how to work well with others and animal knowledge. Most people who work in zoos or related fields start by volunteering. Those who are still interested in volunteering after they turn 16 can transition into our regular Volunteer Program.
Volun-teen Summer Program Timeline:
March 2024 – Applications open
March 15 – Open house for summer program information
April 18 – Applications due
May 1 - Notifications of acceptance are made
May 24 – Volun-teen and parent orientation
June 2-6 – Volun-teen training
July 1-4 – Week off for July 4th holiday
August 8 – Last day of summer program
We cap the number of teen volunteers at 10 to maintain proper supervision. This summer teen program runs June 2 – August 8. Shifts will be Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-4pm.
For all volunteer opportunities listed above, the final determinations made regarding a volunteer’s placement in the program will be at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers are encouraged to be independent, with no parental supervision required while performing their volunteer duties.