Volunteer programs
If you have a sincere interest in animals and conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, our volunteer programs are for you.
Find the Right Program for You!
Whether you are looking to focus on educating the public or if you’d like to be an animal care volunteer, we offer options to cater to all interests. Learn more about each one of our volunteer programs below.
Adult Volunteers
Working with animals, Ages 18+
Would you like to make a positive impact in our Zoo? Volunteering at the San Francisco Zoo can be a fun, educational and rewarding experience. We have volunteer opportunities in our Animal Rescue & Conservation Center, Children’s Zoo, and Insect Zoo!
ages 18+
Docents
Meet guests from every walk of life and from around the world and be an ambassador for wildlife and for San Francisco. Becoming a Docent is a great way to share your knowledge of and passion for wildlife and conservation. As a Docent, your enthusiasm and knowledge will help connect people with our animals, inspire conservation efforts, and enrich the experiences of all our guests.
Teen Volunteers
Ages 12-17
The Koret Animal Rescue & Conservation Center (ARC) at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is now accepting applications for teen volunteers. The ARC is a training ground for future ecologists, conservationists, biologists, zoologists, and animal care staff through its teen volunteer programs. Our animal ambassadors play a key role in connecting our guests with wildlife.
all ages
Groups
Spend a Saturday beautifying the Zoo. The role of the Zoo’s Horticulture Department is more than just to create beautiful gardens for the animals and visitors, it is also to help spread the message of habitat conservation and vegetation management.