Children’s Zoo Volunteers
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!
A little about the Children’s Zoo
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 of 9/14/2026, volunteer applications are currently closed
The Family Farm currently has two options for adult applicants
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!
Contact yard volunteers
These 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
These 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
Requirements, commitment, skills, and trainings
- 18 years of age and over
- Hay que participar en una entrevista en línea
- Must complete a background check ($50)
- Hay que comprar un conjunto de uniforme ($40)
- Minimum commitment of two (2) days per month for six (6) months
Minimum commitment of two (2) days per month for six (6) months
- Capacidad para aprender sobre la biología y la historia natural de los animales
- Buenas habilidades de comunicación verbal con compañeros de trabajo y visitantes
- Capaz de trabajar de forma independiente y en colaboración
- Habilidades sólidas de resolución de problemas para analizar problemas y encontrar soluciones efectivas
- Flexible y adaptable para adaptarse a los cambios
- Capacidad para permanecer de pie o permanecer en servicio durante largos períodos de tiempo
- Se adhiere a todas las prácticas y protocolos de seguridad
- Capacidad para afrontar enfermedades, lesiones o pérdidas de animales ocasionales
- Deseo de cumplir la Misión del Zoológico y Jardines de San Francisco
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!
Join in on the fun!
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 currently closed.
Please check back soon to check for volunteer openings.
¿Tiene alguna pregunta?
Correo electrónico czvolunteer@sfzoo.org ¡y estaremos encantados de ayudarle!
¿Conoce a alguien que sería un gran voluntario?
¡Envíenles esta página!
¿Está interesado en hacer voluntariado en otro departamento?
¡Haga la diferencia y regístrese como voluntario hoy mismo!
