Volunteer FAQs

Do you have an age requirement?

  • Adult Volunteer Program (ages +18)
  • Family Volunteer Program (ages 8-13 with a parent or legal guardian)
  • Group Volunteer Program (typically ages +18). Group Volunteers ages +8 may volunteer at Boo at the Zoo (October). We require one adult chaperone for every four children (ages +8) or 10 teens (ages +16).

What is the volunteer commitment?

  • Adult Volunteer Program: We ask that Volunteers commit to one year of volunteer service with the Zoo and serve a minimum of 50 hours per year.
  • Family Volunteer Program (ages 8-13 with a parent or legal guardian): We ask that Volunteers commit to one year of volunteer service with the Zoo and serve a minimum of 50 hours per year as a family.
  • Group Volunteer Program: We offer a variety of fun and rewarding one-time service projects throughout the year. Projects range from four to eight hours in length.

Do you offer court ordered community service opportunities?

Zoo Atlanta does not offer one-time community court-appointed opportunities.

What is your Volunteer application process like?

Adult Volunteers

  • Submit an online Volunteer Application.
  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation. You will receive an email upon completion of your online application with information about our upcoming Adult Volunteer orientations.
  • Complete required Volunteer paperwork: complete a background check, negative TB test, and Volunteer Handbook forms.
  • Once accepted into Zoo Atlanta’s Adult Volunteer program, new Volunteers complete training to become Zoo Ambassadors. Through this training, Volunteers learn their way around the Zoo, interact with guests, answer guest questions about wayfinding around the Zoo and its programs, and learn about the essentials of the Zoo’s safety and Volunteer program procedures.
  • After your training as a Zoo Ambassador, you will be able to volunteer in a variety of areas, from the Animal Nutrition Kitchen to events to interpretation and much more. Click here to explore our Adult Volunteer opportunities.
     

Family Volunteers

  • Submit an online Volunteer Application.
  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation. The next orientation will be in July 2016!
  • Complete required Volunteer paperwork: complete a background check (adults only), negative TB test, and Volunteer Handbook forms.
  • Once accepted into Zoo Atlanta’s Adult Volunteer program, new Volunteers complete training to become Zoo Ambassadors. Through this training, Volunteers learn their way around the Zoo, interact with guests, answer guest questions about wayfinding around the Zoo and its programs, and learn about the essentials of the Zoo’s safety and Volunteer program procedures.
  • After your training as a Zoo Ambassador, you will be able to volunteer in a variety of areas, from the Animal Nutrition Kitchen to events to interpretation and much more. Click here to explore our Family Volunteer opportunities.

I filled out an online application, but have not heard anything. What should I do?

Please feel free to send an email to volunteer@zooatlanta.org. Also, check your junk/spam folder to make sure it’s not there.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Our Volunteer uniform includes Volunteer shirts, Volunteer name badges, khaki pants or shorts (of your choosing) and closed-toe shoes.

Is there a cost associated with volunteering?

  • Uniforms: All Adult and Family Volunteer positions require the purchase of a Zoo Atlanta Volunteer uniform shirt and name badge. Volunteer T-shirts are $10 and name badges are $5-7.
  • TB tests: The price for TB tests vary depending on where you go to have your test administered.
  • Zoo Membership: We ask that all Volunteers maintain a current Zoo Atlanta Membership. Volunteers receive approximately 30% off Zoo Memberships. The cost varies depending upon the type of Membership you select.

Does your Volunteer Program offer any benefits?

All of our Volunteers are extraordinary individuals united by their passion for animals, conservation and Zoo Atlanta. As a Zoo Atlanta Volunteer, you will be providing an invaluable service to our Zoo. In return, the Zoo will provide you with benefits, including:

  • Opportunity to work with and learn from a professional staff
  • Share in Zoo Atlanta’s conservation education efforts
  • Skills, training and support materials needed for designated service area(s)
  • Meaningful opportunities to develop new skills, make new friends, and learn about endangered species and conservation issues
  • Invitations to special Volunteer appreciation events
  • Discounts on select food outlets
  • Discounts at Zoo Atlanta Trading Company and Pandamonium Gift Shops
  • 30% discount on Zoo Atlanta Membership
  • A chance to make a difference while having fun!