Get Involved
Volunteer at the Zoo - you never know who you will meet!
Auckland Zoo volunteers are our ambassadors for the Zoo and take great pride in their professional work.
Being an Auckland Zoo volunteer gives you an opportunity to share your interest in wildlife and conservation with Zoo visitors.
It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet and work with a wide range of people, at the same time as gaining an insight into the conservation and education focus of the Zoo.
Volunteer work at the Zoo is primarily people-focused; however, volunteers may have the chance to apply to work on section to assist the keepers.
Our trained guides talk to Zoo visitors about animals, give golf cart and walking tours, assist keepers and help out at the Zoo's daily encounters. Some volunteers prepare animal enrichments and undertake animal watches. Our Zoo Crew volunteers help by cleaning windows, collecting leaves and grass, and have some driving duties. All volunteers have the opportunity to help with night events.
We ask that all volunteers commit to helping out once a week (or once a fortnight for weekend positions), from 9.45am to 3pm. We ask for a commitment of at least one year.
Prospective volunteers are interviewed, and if accepted, then take part in an induction day - which is designed to familiarise new volunteers with all aspects of the Zoo. This provides a good insight into the structure and roles of the Zoo, as well as the day-to-day animal management. There are several training days held throughout the year.
Volunteering is extremely rewarding! As a volunteer at Auckland Zoo, you provide a vital support system for staff, keepers and animals.
Click here to download our volunteer application form (pdf)
For more information about volunteering or to have an application form posted to you, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by email or by phone (09) 353 2090.
As a volunteer, you will need to be a least 18 years of age and:
• have excellent communication skills
• lots of enthusiasm
• be physically fit
• be reliable
Click here to download a volunteer application form now (pdf)
We currently have :
180 amazing volunteers, who worked nearly 34,087 hours in the 2010/2011 year (equivalent to approximately 17 fulltime employees), and raised over $9,000 for the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund.
