Zoo Teens
- Zoo Teens is a unique year-round mentorship opportunity for teens ages 13 to 17 interested in animals, the environment and zoo careers. The program is by invitation only, and space is extremely limited; typically, about 15 spots are offered each year.
- During their first year, teens work in various areas of the Education Department and as teens progress through the program, they are able to serve as zookeeper aids in various animal departments throughout the zoo.
- If you are interested in applying for the Zoo Teen program, or have questions about requirements, please contact [email protected].
Opportunities for Adults
Guest Services Volunteers
- Guest services volunteers are everywhere and do a little of everything — from helping the zoo host successful fundraisers to helping with school field trips. Tasks vary and may include driving golf carts, answering guest questions or handing out maps.
Interpretive Volunteers-Docents
- Docents educate zoo guests about animals, habitats, and conservation at interpretive stations on zoo grounds. Docents are trained to use biofacts, activities, work with ambassador animals, and other teaching methods to engage broad audiences.
- Extended trainings are available.
Animal Area Volunteers
- Tulsa Zoo offers a select number of animal area volunteer opportunities. These volunteer assist zookeepers with daily routines in select areas of the zoo. These areas may include: Birds, Children’s Zoo, Education, Herps & Aquatics, Horticulture, Rainforest, and WildLife TREK. Space is limited and there may be a waiting list for this area.
Event Volunteers
- Event Volunteers are one-time volunteers who help with special events, greeting guests, line wrangling and much more. We welcome anyone 18 years and older. This is the only volunteer opportunity with no training required.
- Event volunteers are added to a list and contacted a couple of weeks prior to each event with information regarding volunteer needs.
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers start with guest services training. Once you have completed 50 hours as a guest services volunteer, you are eligible to apply to be an interpretive volunteer and/or animal area volunteer.
- There is a one-time joining fee that covers background screening, a uniform shirt, and name tag.
- As a volunteer, you are able to access VIC Net, an internet-based program where you can view upcoming events, sign up for activities, open links to PDF documents, and view hours to date and other information.
- Any volunteers working around animals must provide proof of negative Tuberculosis testing.
- For more information about volunteering, email [email protected].
