(age 18 and over)

Inspire and Educate!  Zoo Ambassadors and Docents are on the front line with our visitors, teaching them about our animals and conservation, helping with special events, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Ever wonder what it is like to care for a giraffe, alligator, hornbill or hyena? If you are interested in learning about animal husbandry then volunteering or interning for the Oakland Zoo’s Animal Care department could be for you. We are looking for hard working individuals who respect animals and don’t mind getting dirty. So break out those work boots and khaki pants and come to one of our volunteer orientations. Animal Care volunteers and interns are an important part of providing the best care we care for our animals. Come be part of the experience.

(age 18+)

You can train to volunteer in any of the following departments:  Special Events, Education, Horticulture, EMT, Conservation, and Administration.

(age 13-18)

The Oakland Zoo welcomes young people ages 13 and up who are interested in volunteering, in either of our two well-regarded teen programs. Please refer to each program for descriptions of duties, application and orientation processes and frequently asked questions. For answers to some general questions about teen programs, click HERE .

The Oakland Zoo works with a variety of community groups (corporate, school, church, service, family) to complete habitat restoration, enrichment, and landscape management projects. We want to ensure that our animals are comfortable in their habitats and our grounds are well maintained.  Staff and volunteers work together to make this happen! “Habitat restoration” might sound like a fancy way of saying weeding, but many of those weeds are like candy to our animals. They literally feast on the fruits for your labor.

Thank you for volunteering at the Oakland Zoo.

We really appreciate and value your time and dedication!

Update your log hours or sign up for an assignment by clicking here.