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.
The Family Farm currently has two options for adult applicants:
- Contact Yard Volunteers solely focus on the animal and guest experience in the public contact yards. These persons introduce our visitors to one of the barn herds, keeping the interactions fun and safe for all ages. Tasks may include light raking and keeping the area clean. Available Shift is 11am-2pm daily.
- Children’s Zoo Volunteers assist our zoo staff in a variety of husbandry tasks – which may include preparing food, feeding animals, cleaning animal spaces, and facilitating guest interactions. It also includes hosting one hour of yard duty in the public section of the barnyard. Available Shifts are 9am-1pm, 1pm-5pm, or 9am-4pm daily.
Additional opportunities for Children’s Zoo Volunteers may also include:
- Animal Grooming
- Animal Training
- Animal Walks
- Building Enrichment
- Holiday Events
- Special Projects
Besides learning about the animals in our collection, you will be caring for and teaching visitors about the SF Zoo’s farm animals. 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 ($40)
- 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
All volunteers will be provided with the following training:
- Volunteer Orientation
- Children’s Zoo Volunteer Manual
- 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!
Children’s Zoo Volunteer – Applications are currently closed.
Please check back at the start of the month to check for volunteer openings.
Contact Yard Volunteer – Applications are OPEN
Fill out the form below and start your volunteer journey!
Have a question?
Email czvolunteer@sfzoo.org and we will be happy to help you!
Know someone who would make a great volunteer?
Send them this page!