.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, managed by the zoo’s education department, are friendly, fun-loving and knowledgeable volunteer adults (18 and over) who conduct the various educational programs at the zoo and in the community on behalf of the zoo. They help visitors and school children learn about animals and conservation by setting up and staffing education stations, providing spot talks in front of animal enclosures, assisting zoo visitors and answering questions, and ensuring that biofacts are used and stored properly. As our eyes and ears on grounds they also assist with the assurance of public safety.

Read more about the 2020 Sacramento Zoo Docent program here. 
Download the 2020 Sacramento Zoo Docent application here.

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.

If you’re part of an organization or a team and you’re wanting to plan a one day volunteer event with the Sacramento Zoo complete the following application. Our Volunteer Coordinator will review your request and be in touch with your team leader to start planning your volunteer day!

Please note that the best days for group volunteers are on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays preferably in the morning hours between 8 am and 12 pm.  Snacks and water are provided by the zoo for your team and lunch is available at our café at a discounted rate.

Requirements:

• Groups of 10 or more individuals
• Participants must be 18+
• Must fill out and submit liability waiver form