Ages 18 and up. Zoo Ambassadors are on the front line with our visitors, teaching them about our animals, helping at special events, and generally enhancing our guests' experience. Click HERE for upcoming volunteer training dates and opportunities.

 Zoo Ambassadors Details

Zoo Ambassadors are on the front line with our visitors, teaching them about our animals, helping at special events, and generally enhancing our guests' experience. Training consists of three modules, each covering a different section of the Oakland Zoo's animal collection. Once you have completed any one of the three modules, you become a Zoo Ambassador and your commitment is 5 hours per month. 

Applications

All applications must be received at least 2 weeks before the for the next training module begins. Applications received after classes begin will be held and considered for the following module. Each of the three modules lasts four-five weeks and consist of Wednesday evening lectures followed by Saturday sessions in the zoo. To successfully complete training and volunteer as a Zoo Ambassador, participation in both Wednesday and Saturday classes is required, along with various homework assignments and quizzes. Click here to download a Zoo Ambassador Application

Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo Training Module: October 2009

Featuring lemurs, fruit bats, giant tortoises, an invertebrate building, many reptiles and amphibians, along with various domestic animals and interactive elements for children. This facility is designed for visitors age 0-8, and quickly became the busiest area of the zoo after it opened in July 2005. This training module is offered in October-early November each year.

African Savannah Training Module: January 2010

Home to our largest mammals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, gazelles, antelope, and camels, along with a large variety of birds and a small reptile collection. This training module is offered mid-January - February each year.

Rainforest Training Module March 2010

The noisiest area of the Zoo (due to some very vocal animals) houses most of our primates, including chimpanzees, baboons, gibbons, squirrel monkeys, and tamarins, along with tigers and other rainforest creatures. This training module is offered late March - April each year.

Docents

Take volunteering to the next level! The Oakland Zoo Docents are a group of dedicated individuals who have completed all three Zoo Ambassador Training Modules and passed a comprehensive exam. Docents tour school groups, interpret zoo exhibits, work special events, and present in Wildlife Theater, supporting the Zoo's mission of fostering appreciation for and stewardship of the natural world.  

Contact

Docent and Volunteer Coordinator

Phone: (510) 632-9525 x141

Fax: (510) 729-7324

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