Volunteer Programs
If you have a sincere interest in animals and conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, our Volunteer Programs are for you.
Docents
Teen Volunteers
Renew the Zoo
Adult Volunteers
Apply To be a Volunteer Today
Docents
Be a Hero for Wildlife: Become a SF Zoo Docent!
Do you dream of making a real difference for wildlife while sharing your enthusiasm for animals with others? As a Zoo docent, you’ll inspire and educate guests through engaging wildlife talks, interactive biofacts, and promoting conservation actions. Join a spirited and supportive volunteer community that is passionate about wildlife conservation. Forge new friendships and deepen your understanding of animals with guidance from our knowledgeable Zoo staff.
Docents complete an immersive 11-week training course that includes conservation messaging, Zoo history, animal wellness, ecology, biological adaptations, and honing your communication skills. Our docents volunteer 10 hours per month with the convenience of self-scheduling. Docents must be at least 18 years old. Step up and make a positive impact as a docent!
Eager to start your journey? Reach out to us to find out how you can join before the next training class. Questions? Email us at [email protected]
Attend one of our Docent Program Informational Events at the Lurie Education Building to get all the details about joining this exciting program. Learn more about becoming a Zoo Docent. Enjoy presentations, a Zoo tour, a hands-on biofact cart demonstration, plus light refreshments. Meet Current docents and ask questions.
Docent Program Informational Events:
- Saturday, March 22, 2025 10am – Noon
- Saturday, May 17, 2025 10am – Noon
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! RSVP to [email protected].
Junior Zoologist 2025
The Animal Rescue & Conservation Center (ARC) at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is now accepting applications for teen volunteers (ages 15, 16 and 17).
The ARC is a training ground for future ecologists, conservationists, biologists, zoologists, and animal care staff through its teen and adult volunteer programs. Our animal ambassadors play a key role in connecting our guests with wildlife.
Persons selected for the Junior Zoologist program are expected to complete a minimum of two volunteer days a month during the summer and two days a month during the school year. New volunteers must commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months.
2025 Applications will be opening soon.
Leadership Fellows:
If you love Kids, Nature, and Education, we have the program for you! Come join us this Summer in Zoo Camp, as a Leadership Fellow. Spend the day assisting our Zoo Camp program as you play with the campers, helping to assist with activities, making crafts, and exploring the Zoo. During select afternoons, you will split off from Zoo Camp and meet with other departments around the Zoo. You’ll learn all about our mission to Connect, Care, and Conserve as you go behind the scenes to see firsthand how the Zoo operates. You’ll also discover how departments work together, and of course see some animals up close.
The Leadership Fellows are a key factor to Zoo Camp’s success and its overall experience. So, come join the team!
Though no formal childcare experience is required, Leadership Fellows should be energetic and enjoy spending time with children, preschool to 6th grade. This program is designed for teens entering grades 10 – 12 in the Fall of 2025.
Eligibility:
No experience necessary! To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Be entering grades 10 – 12 in the Fall of 2025.
- Commit to all attendance requirements for the group they are selected for.
- Demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and teamwork.
The Leadership Fellows are a key factor to Zoo Camp’s success and its overall experience. So come join the team!
How to Apply:
If the Leadership Fellows Program seems like it would be a good fit for you, the link to apply will be posted here March 25th.
Program Logistics:
- Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- Who: Teens entering grades 10 – 12 in the Fall of 2025
- When: June 16th – August 8th | Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 3:30pm
Choose from 3 different cohort groups to join.
Applications will be open March 25th, 2025, through April 30th, 2025.
Selected applicants will be required to attend an in-person group interview on May 18, 2025, as well as group training sessions with the Zoo Camp team June 11th, 12th, and 13th from 9am – 12pm.
Additional Information:
- Fellows will work with a variety of camp classes, aged Preschool through 8th grade. We encourage applicants to list availability for all cohorts that they would be able to join to increase their chances of acceptance into the program. Although we will do our best to accommodate your preference for a specific age group, we cannot guarantee placement with any particular class. We also feel it is beneficial for Fellows to experience a range of different age groups and teachers.
- The final number of Fellows accepted is determined by the number of camp classes and enrollment. If you are not chosen, we recommend you try again next year and/or look into some of the other teen opportunities at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.
Renew the Zoo
Spend a Saturday beautifying the Zoo. The role of the Zoo’s Horticulture Department is more than just to create beautiful gardens for the animals and visitors, it is also to help spread the message of habitat conservation and vegetation management.
Participation means:
- Weeding and clean-up to eliminate the need for harmful pesticides
- Meeting new people of diverse backgrounds and all ages who share your commitment to conserving the Earth’s plant and animal species
- Sharing your expertise and developing new skills and interests
- Becoming part of San Francisco Zoo’s history
- Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of the Zoo
- Getting really, really dirty
Who can volunteer?
Adults and children (adult:child ratio must be at least 1 adult per 5 children).
When can I volunteer?
The second Saturday of March, June, September, and November, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am Please be prompt. We will be closing the gates at 8:15. No late entries allowed.
Where do we meet?
Meet by the Main Entrance to the Zoo off the Great Highway.
What do I wear?
Something warm and comfortable that you don’t mind getting dirty. The Zoo provides tools and work gloves, but if you have work gloves, bring them just in case. Please wear sturdy work shoes.
Have a Question? E-mail [email protected].
Sponsoring a Corporate Renew the Zoo Event
Groups of all sizes can sponsor a private Renew the Zoo day for their companies. At a Corporate Renew the Zoo day, your group works as a team to complete Zoo projects that ultimately benefit our Bay Area community. In addition to having fun and building team camaraderie, your group receives admission to the Zoo, refreshments and free ride coupons. Zoo staff coordinate each event to make sure that your group enjoys its day at the Zoo.
Have a Question? E-mail [email protected].
Volunteer Dates
Please be prompt. We will be closing the gates at 8:15. No late entries allowed.
- Saturday, June 14th, 8 am – 11 am
- Saturday, September 13th, 8 am – 11 am
- Saturday, November 8th, 8 am – 11 am
To sign up e-mail [email protected]
Adult Volunteers
Would you like to make a positive impact in our Zoo? Volunteering at the San Francisco Zoo can be a fun, educational and rewarding experience. We have volunteer opportunities in our Family Farm, Animal Resource Center, Events, and other Zoo departments. Learn more by attending any one of our upcoming orientations.
Minimum Requirements for Adult Volunteers*:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must attend a volunteer orientation.
- After being accepted into one of our volunteer areas, you must successfully pass a background check. There is a non-refundable administration fee for the background check. Additional fee for international background checks.
- There is a uniform fee of $30.00.
- A minimum commitment of 6 months.
For additional information, please email: [email protected].