ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Conservation Guides
Conservation Guides are dedicated to educating Zoo visitors about animals, natural history and wildlife conservation. They serve as interpretive guides in stations throughout the Zoo, including the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo and the Bird & Reptile Building. Conservation Guides are trained in the art of interpretation, using interesting artifacts as well as animal observations to provoke curiosity, promote learning and inspire visitors toward a conservation ethic. This placement is ideal for people who love to learn, have good verbal communication skills and like to interact with diverse audiences. These volunteers must commit to two 3 1/2-hour shifts per month.

NEW area for Conservation Guides: The opening of the exciting new multi-species exhibit, Giants of the Savanna, will offer Conservation Guides another area in which to engage the public and increase awareness of wildlife conservation.

 

Zoo Ambassadors
These volunteers are an integral part of the visitor experience at the Dallas Zoo. They provide a welcoming presence for all Zoo visitors, give directions, answer questions and serve as a source of information about all aspects of the Zoo. To become a Zoo Ambassador, you should be friendly, outgoing, have excellent verbal communication skills, be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and enjoy talking with people of all ages and backgrounds. These volunteers must commit to two 4-hour shifts per month.

Keeper Aide Volunteers
Keeper Aides work behind-the-scenes with our keeper staff to help care for our diverse collection of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. This position provides an opportunity to learn from Zoo professionals as you assist with many critical daily tasks that impact an animal's health and welfare. These positions require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to perform physically demanding work in all weather conditions. The work can be strenuous and dirty, and there is no animal contact. Volunteers must make a commitment of one morning shift per week, 7 a.m. to noon, on the same day each week for one year. (Flexible schedules are not available.) There may be a waiting list for placements in this area.

Research Aide Volunteers
Research Aides assist in collecting and compiling animal behavior data crucial to our conservation mission. The welfare of Zoo animals, as well as the survival of species, is impacted by conservation research conducted in zoo settings. This placement is ideal for detail-oriented people who enjoy working independently. Time commitments vary by project. Placements in this area are limited. Research projects are often not available and many are of very brief duration.  For this reason, Research Aide volunteers are usually selected from within the group of those who are already volunteering at the Dallas Zoo in other capacities.

Commissary Volunteers
Commissary volunteers assist the Zoo's nutritionist in the preparation of animal diets. If you've always wondered what elephants and chimpanzees eat each day, this is a fascinating opportunity to participate in the behind-the-scenes care and feeding routine of our Zoo animals. Volunteers must commit to one morning shift per week.

Horticulture Volunteers
Horticulture volunteers assist the Zoo's horticulture crew in maintaining our plant collection on grounds or in the greenhouse. We also have an adopt-a-bed program - a great opportunity for corporations, garden clubs and youth groups!

Special Event Volunteers
Special event volunteers staff a wide variety of events held at the Zoo and Aquarium throughout the year. They provide hospitality and information, staff games and activities for children and may assist with set-up or preparation work. This position requires flexibility, enthusiasm and a love of people.

Special Projects Volunteering
These volunteers assist our organization in many unique ways. Individuals with special skills (welders, carpenters and electricians) are needed for projects throughout the year.