Welcome to the Auckland Zoo Volunteer page. Becoming an Auckland Zoo Volunteer is a fun way to contribute to the work of the Zoo, our visitor’s experience, and to learn new things.

It is also a great way to connect with nature. Research shows that spending time with wildlife and in green spaces lowers stress, boosts mood and deepens our sense of belonging. At the Zoo, every connection with nature is also a connection to your own wellbeing.

What does volunteering involve?

Auckland Zoo has a dedicated team of volunteers who thrive as part of a dynamic and enthusiastic group of like-minded people. They enjoy bringing to life Zoo experiences, nurturing and supporting connections to nature, to wildlife and to each other.

What commitment do I need to make?

We do require a regular commitment. Our expectation is that you are able to volunteer one day every week from 9.30am – 3.00pm. Fortnightly options are available for volunteers who attend on a Saturday or Sunday.

It is also important that you are able to make a long term commitment i.e. at least 12 months. Many of our volunteers enjoy their experience so much that they choose to stay with us for many years, in some cases 20 plus years!

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, you need to be 18 years or older. However, if you are 15-17 years you may be eligible to apply for our annual Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme. Please see section below - Tuatara Club Volunteer for more information.

Will I get training?

Absolutely! In fact, we are looking for volunteers who are keen to learn. We provide a comprehensive training programme that moves at your pace and supports you to gradually build up knowledge.

Video

30+ years of incredible Zoo volunteers!

Sharing exciting animal news, pitching in with odd jobs, or helping our visitors find their way - our 200+ part-time volunteers make the Zoo a truly wonderful place to be! Volunteer programme manager Jill and senior volunteer coordinator Fiona reflect on 30+ years of our volunteer programme and how it has evolved over this time.

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Tuatara Club volunteers

Auckland Zoo Volunteer Roles

All volunteers start their volunteer journey with an Induction Day and Zoo Orientation training. Once this is completed, you can apply for specific volunteer roles. Most volunteers progress to our Visitor Assistant role as this provides an excellent grounding for other roles.

You will find below information about each of our volunteer roles.

To apply to become a volunteer Click here for a link to the application form.

More information?

If you require any further information, you can contact the volunteer coordinator at: volunteer.coordinator@aucklandzoo.co.nz or phone: (09) 353 2090

Volunteer Role Information

Does this sound like you?

  • I love to talk and enjoy engaging in conversations
  • I have a great sense of direction and would enjoy assisting visitors with directions and orientation
  • A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in and get things done.
  • I get inspired working with others but equally can be relied on to work independently. 
  • I am physically able to move around the zoo safely
  • I would be able to learn and follow zoo protocols and respond accordingly

Yes? Then it sounds like you might be best suited to our Visitor Assistant role. For more information, click here.

Does this sound like you?

  • I have a passion for learning new things, especially about animals and wildlife conservation
  • I love storytelling and sharing my love for wildlife and conservation
  • I am not phased by a lengthy but fun and interesting training programme
  • A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in and get things done.
  • I get inspired working with others but equally can be relied on to work independently. 
  • I am happy to first complete my training as a Visitor Assistant Volunteer as a prerequisite for Guide Volunteer Training

Yes? Then it sounds like you might be best suited to  our Zoo Guide role. For more information, click here.

Does this sound like you?

  • I'm an all-weather person and am not fazed by the same routine every day.
  • I am physically fit and able to move around the zoo safely
  • I am comfortable using shears to collect grass, and happy to clean, sweep, lift and deliver items around the Zoo.
  • I enjoy talking with people and will be happy to help visitors if they approach me while I am working around the Zoo.
  • I can be relied on to work independently and am known for my reliability and common sense.

Yes? Then it sounds like you might be best suited to our Zoo Crew role. For more information, click here.

Does this sound like you?

  • I am happy to focus my time in just one section of the Zoo e.g. primates, birds
  • I don't mind getting my hands dirty.
  • Although I will be supporting the zookeepers, I will happily spend more time working in kitchen areas and cleaning empty habitats than around the animals.
  • I am very reliable and available to work the same long days that keepers do (a regular commitment of either weekly or fortnightly for up to eight hours each day, with some sections starting at 7am!).
  • I am proactive, love being part of a team and can be relied on to follow Health and Safety guidelines.
  • I am physically fit and able to undertake roles than involve bending, lifting, hosing and cleaning habitats.
  • I understand that a Keeper Assistant Volunteer role is not a career path to a Zookeeper position at the Zoo.

Yes? Then it sounds like you might be best suited to our Keeper Assistant role.

Please Note: Keeper Assistant volunteer roles are popular, and positions occasionally become available. Entry requirements and skills vary from section to section. Availability of vacancies and acceptance as a Keeper Assistance Volunteer is not guaranteed.

New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management – Zookeeping

Entry criteria for a Keeper Assistant Volunteer role differs if you are currently enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management – Zookeeping.

Please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer.coordinator@aucklandzoo.co.nz for more information.

What is the Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme?

The Tuatara Club is a youth volunteer programme, which enables 15–17-year-olds to gain volunteer and visitor engagement experience in a zoo environment. This is a 13-week programme, which requires team members to absorb and apply new information and skills quickly.

Who should apply?

We welcome applicants eager to enhance their skills and grow in the following areas:

  • Understanding and enthusiasm for the work of the Zoo
  • Teamwork
  • Visitor engagement and communication
  • Confidence and individual responsibility

We will be looking for applicants who are able to demonstrate:

  • Common sense and a flexible attitude
  • Ability to learn and apply knowledge accurately
  • Motivation to work independently in a fast-paced and changeable environment
  • Ability to physically undertake the programme activities and move around the zoo safely

What commitment will I need to make?

Commitment is very important, so please think carefully before applying, you must be able to volunteer every week on either a Saturday or Sunday for a full day from 9:30am – 3:00pm for a 13-week period.

Think about any plans that may be in place that may impact your availability e.g. family holidays, school balls.

What activities will I be doing?

Your activities will vary from week to week and will include:

  • Greeting visitors, providing directions and orientation
  • Suggesting routes to maximise visitor enjoyment
  • Using artefacts and Quiz Boards to entertain and educate visitors
  • Assisting with the preparation of enrichment for our native birds
  • Washing habitat windows and signage
  • Learning activities and guest speakers

Application Process

2026 Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme
Applications for the 2026 Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme have now closed.

2027 Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme
Applications for the 2027 Tuatara Club Volunteer Programme open on 1 March 2027.

From 1 March an Expression of Interest Form will be available here, and must be completed and returned by 26 March 2027.

Once received, you will be sent more information about the application process, including a link for the Application Form and a Conservation Quiz.

The deadline for completion of the Application Form and the Conservation Quiz is 5 April 2027. Any applications received after this date will not be considered.

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