Children's Zoo Volunteers - San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

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.