Currently Recruiting For...
ZooLights Volunteers
ZooLights, our winter fundraiser—and biggest and brightest event of the year—is coming up fast, and we will need volunteer help for each of the 20 nights. Volunteers will help with registration, act as costumed characters, or serve as character escorts.
The event will take place 6 to 8:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday nights, November 28 to December 14, and every night from December 18 to 30, except December 24 and 25. We would like volunteers to check in by 5:30 p.m. This event will run from Panda Plaza to Kids’ Farm.
Special qualifications: This event will take place outdoors—volunteers will be outside. Remember, November and December can mean rain or snow, so please be prepared to dress for the weather. The event will not be cancelled due to weather unless the Zoo closes because of icy walkways.
Age requirement: You must be at least 15 years old to volunteer. Teens who volunteered for one of our FONZ teen programs during summer 2008 may volunteer for ZooLights at age 13 or older. We are very sorry, but exceptions cannot be made.
Training: On the job
Questions or to request a registration form:
Email us
Commissary—Animal Nutrition
Volunteers are needed to assist animal care staff in daily preparation of ingredients, batch mixes and zoo animal diets. Facility maintenance includes cleaning equipment, dishes and containers, and preparation areas.
Special qualifications: Volunteers must be physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds. Most work is conducted indoors. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to follow detailed instructions (weights, measurements) for specific diet preparation is required. Knowledge of safe food handling and preparation, and an interest in nutrition is preferred.
Time commitment: One day a week for one at least three months. A choice of half days (7–11 a.m. or 11 a.m.–3 p.m.) and full days (7 a.m.–3 p.m.) is available.
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Training: An initial training session will be conducted with each individual. On-the-job training will supplement this formal training. Opportunities for additional formal training will be made available throughout the year.
Questions:
Email us
202.633.3062
Keeper Aide—Amazonia Exhibit
Volunteers are needed to help the animal care staff prepare food,
do water changes, and clean enclosures. Interested applicants should
have an interest in aquatic invertebrates and/or insects. About half
of the animals in this exhibit are aquatic species.
Time commitment: One day a week for a
year, weekday positions only. This type of work usually begins at around
7 a.m.
Age requirement: You must be at least
16 years old to apply.
Training: On the job
Questions:
Email us
202.633.3062
Keeper Aide—Invertebrate Exhibit
Volunteers are needed to help the animal care staff prepare food, do water changes, and clean enclosures. Interested applicants should have an interest in aquatic invertebrates and/or insects. About 80 percent of the animals in this exhibit are aquatic species.
Time commitment: One day a week for a year, weekday positions only. This type of work usually begins at around 7 a.m.
Age requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
Training: On the job
Questions:
Email us
202.633.3062
Keeper Aide—Primates
Volunteers are needed to help the animal care staff prepare food and clean enclosures for gorillas, orangutans, gibbons, and macaques. Interested applicants should have an interest in primates.
Time commitment: One day a week for a year, Monday through Friday positions available only. This type of work usually begins at around 7 a.m. Volunteers must commit to an eight-hour work day.
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Training: On the job
Questions:
Email us
202.633.3062
Want to help the Zoo in another way? 
Join
Friends of the National Zoo today.
