.The Sacramento Zoo is currently accepting applications for zoo ambassadors, the Level 1 volunteer position. All new volunteers must begin as a zoo ambassador before moving on to additional programs.

Zoo ambassadors can participate in a variety of different roles:

• Front gate greeting and assistance
• Grounds clean up
• Special events
• Other special projects

All applicants must meet the minimum requirements:

• Must be 15 years or older
• Complete an online application
• Have a valid email address
• Pay application fee of $20 – an email following your submitted application will contain payment information
• Attend and complete zoo ambassador orientation
  Orientations are held on the first weekend of every other month, beginning in January. You must sign up on your volunteer portal after being accepted into the program
• Commit to volunteer 15 hours annually
• Adhere to the guidelines of the volunteer programs as specified in the volunteer handbook (received during orientation)

Once a zoo ambassador has completed a minimum of 15 volunteer hours, they have the opportunity to train in additional programs.

Become a Zoo Ambassador

Qualified volunteers work under the direct supervision of keeper staff and help clean, feed and maintain exhibits. Volunteers will be working in close proximity to animals but no physical contact will be allowed. Application approval and safety orientation required. This program is competitive, and not all applicants will be accepted.

Duties

• Cleaning and disinfecting of exhibits, holding areas, moats and work areas
• Assist animal care staff in daily animal care and maintenance
• Learn about zoos and captive animal husbandry and behavior
• Follow direct orders regarding safety and health requirements
• Perform physically demanding tasks, such as raking, hosing, pushing wheel barrows, carrying heavy items, etc.

Docents are volunteer educators who provide information talks for zoo visitors. You’ll learn about the exciting animals that live at the zoo and current conservation issues worldwide.

What is a docent?
Docents are volunteer educators, 18 years or over, who have had Sacramento Zoo training to provide tours, station talks and wildlife wagons for zoo visitors. Docents have a love to share with people all that they have learned about the animals that live at the zoo and current conservation issues worldwide.

As a garden volunteer, you will be asked to maintain the plants throughout the entire zoo. Tasks within this program can vary, but volunteers should be in reasonably good physical condition. At times, you may be asked to kneel for long periods of time while working in a particular garden, walk throughout the zoo to various locations, use a rake and shovel together, or pull stubborn weeds. Volunteers should disclose any physical limitations to the horticulturist before beginning the volunteer program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have experience or an interest in gardening.
• Must be comfortable using various gardening tools, such as shears, pruners, loppers, rakes, trowels, etc.
• Must be able to volunteer on weekdays, Monday- Friday.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with pruning and the ability to work independently in a garden.
• Knowledge of toxic plants, or the ability to learn and identify toxic plants on grounds.

Come out and celebrate the Earth and conservation with the Sacramento Zoo. We have many shifts available from helping at recycling stations, managing craft and game tables and welcoming guests into the zoo. Shift times begin at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm and are approximately 4 hours long. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please email the Volunteer Coordinator or call 916-808-7444 with any questions.

In partnership with Fleet Feet Sacramento, the Sacramento Zoo will be hosting a 5K and 10K run in Land Park, ending at the zoo.  Volunteers are needed to help with Event Registration, Fluid Stations, Course Monitors and Refreshments.  Shifts begin at 6:30 am and at 7 am and are approximately 4 to 5 hours long depending on the shift. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please email the Volunteer Coordinator or call 916-808-7444 with any questions.

Come on out to the zoo and have fun with us during the Sacramento Zoo Egg Hunt, a family fun day of activities and games. There are several positions available from Games and Activity Stations to Egg Hunt Assistants. Shifts start at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm and are approximately 4.5 hours long. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please email the Volunteer Coordinator or call 916-808-7444 with any questions.

Join forces with the Rebel Alliance against the Empire in Sacramento Zoo’s annual Star Wars Day celebration! Our honored guests, the 501st legion will be here in costume helping us run this family event. We have several shifts set up to help our costumed characters around the zoo for themed photo opportunities. Shifts start at 8:00 am, 8:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:00 pm and are approximately 4 hours long. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please email the Volunteer Coordinator or call 916-808-7444 with any questions.

Come on out to the zoo and help us support the community and local breweries with our Wine & Brew event. There will be opportunities to help pour beverages, run games and activity stations and assist with line management. This event is for volunteers who are 21 years and older. Several shift times are available starting at 4:00 pm lasting roughly 4.5 hours. Please note that volunteers are not allowed to drink during this event! If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please email the Volunteer Coordinator or call 916-808-7444 with any questions.