Become a volunteer at The Children’s Zoo!
The San Francisco Zoological Society’s highest priorities are providing quality animal care, advancing wildlife conservation, and educating visitors about nature by connecting them with animals. If you have a sincere interest in animals and conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, our volunteer program is for you.
With a long tradition of domestic farm animals, the Family Farm has always played a key role in connecting zoo visitors with nature, up-close and in person, with a lively collection of wildlife.
From goats to pigs, donkeys and horses, and even a few alpaca, the Farm is a place of diverse species that showcase the unique features on which humans have come depend on over hundreds of years. And all have an important message of conservation to tell.
As an Adult Volunteer, you will assist our zoo staff in a variety of husbandry tasks – which may include preparing food, feeding animals, cleaning animal spaces, and facilitating guest interactions. In addition to learning about the animals in our collection, you will be caring for and teaching visitors about the SF Zoo’s farm animals
The husbandry tasks of volunteers include monitoring the contact yard, setting up enrichment, preparing diets, washing dishes, raking, and other cleaning tasks. Even on your first day, you will begin meeting our animals and sharing their stories with visitors!
Volunteer applicants should expect the following:
- 18 years of age and over
- Must participate in an online interview
- Must complete a background check ($50)
- Must purchase a uniform set ($30)
- Available Shifts are 9am-1pm or 9am-4pm
- Minimum commitment of two (2) days per month for six (6) months
Applicants should possess the following skills:
- Able to learn about the biology and natural history of animals
- Good verbal communication skills with co-workers and visitors
- Capable of working independently and collaboratively
- Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions
- Flexible and adaptable to handle changes
- Able to stand or remain on duty for prolonged periods of time
- Adheres to all safety practices and protocols
- Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals
- Desire to fulfill the Mission of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Daily husbandry tasks for volunteers may include:
- Animal Grooming
- Animal Training
- Animal Walks
- Building Enrichment
- Cleaning Stalls, Yards & Corals
- Contact Yard Supervision
- Dishes & Laundry
- Holiday Events
- Interacting with the Public
- Personalized Career Growth
- Preparing Diets
- Special Projects
All volunteers will be provided with the following training:
- Volunteer Orientation
- Children’s Zoo Volunteer Manual
- Animal Welfare Course (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Academy)
- Hands-on 1:1 Training
As a dedicated volunteer at the Family Farm, you would be enriching the lives of our animals, connecting people with wildlife, and inspiring care for nature.
We look forward to seeing you join our amazing team of volunteers at the Children’s Zoo!
Ready to join?
Download the form here or click the button below to be part of our amazing group of volunteers!
Have a question?
Email [email protected] and we will be happy to help you!
Know someone who would make a great volunteer?
Send them this page!
Already a volunteer at the zoo or an employee?
Fill out the mini form below to become a CZ volunteer