Zoo Crew Volunteers

VISION: TO IMPACT OUR COMMUNITIES BY INSPIRING A LIFELONG PASSION FOR AND COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION AND ANIMAL WELFARE

If you love animals and conservation, we may have a volunteer opportunity for you! Our Zoo Crew volunteers help in many areas at the Virginia Zoo.

Education & Interpretation volunteers engage our guests in fun and unique learning opportunities. Our Trail Hosts tell the stories of our amazing animals and their wild relatives as guests travel the Zoo, while our various education volunteers support our school and camp programs, facilitate play in our Run Wild Nature Play space, and assist with special EdZoocation and themed events.

Administration & Operations volunteers help staff with daily Zoo operations, whether that’s serving alongside our Horticulture team to maintain our beautiful 53-acre facility by weeding, planting, trimming, and mulching, or helping our teams behind-the-scenes with administrative projects. These volunteers can also assist during special events by serving food or drinks, making crafts with kids, or even face painting.

Volunteers who serve over 50 hours can also assist in Animal Care & Conservation volunteer roles. Through these opportunities, volunteers can support our keepers’ top-notch animal care routines, help prepare food for our animals in our diet kitchen, or assist with animal observations. Volunteers just starting out can get involved too, by helping us conduct a number of ongoing community science initiatives the Zoo participates in.

What are some of the benefits of volunteering with us?

• Regular updates about the zoo and animals
• Hands-on experience relevant to a career in the zoo and aquarium field
• Flexible scheduling
• Supportive training and mentoring
• Part of a dynamic and diverse team
• Discounts in our gift shop and restaurants
• Discounted or free admission to other local institutions
• Recognition awards and social events
• And much more!

Our Zoo Crew volunteer program is open to all individuals ages 18 and older that are able to comfortably interact with visitors as a representative of the Zoo and have the ability to pass a background check. If you are selected to join the Zoo Crew program, there is a required one-time $50 registration fee. This amount covers the cost of the background check, a zoo uniform shirt, name tag, and additional training costs.

For questions about our volunteer program, please contact us via email at [email protected].