Volunteer Program
Volunteers are the driving force behind our mission to serve the community, visitors and wildlife of Alaska.
Why Volunteer?
Have rewarding experiences!
Make programs and events possible!
Cultivate passion for animals!
Lend the zoo a helping hand!
You become an important part of our mission.
You expand your horizons.
Perks:
A zoo volunteer shirt
A name tag
20% off in the Gift Shop
Invitation for you and family a summer party
Annual membership for 50+ hours in a year
Volunteering Options
Permanent (year-round)
We have a need throughout the year for following: Education programs, docents, event booths, petting zoo attendant, habitat cleanup parties, mascots for events, cotton candy spinning for events and monthly animal husbandry work. Other opportunities are added as needed by the zoo.
Opportunities for ages 16 and older only, no exceptions. You must have access to a mobile device to use our online calendar and reliable transportation.
To apply, click on the permanent volunteer link above and return the completed application to the Volunteer Coordinator. Once your application is received you will come in to meet the Volunteer Coordinator before attending a New Volunteer Orientation. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at The Alaska Zoo!
Group (Project-based, year-round)
The zoo has projects for your scouts, students or employees. Note: Groups do not work directly with animals. Group projects take place in:
Enclosure Cleaning and Maintenance: Work with a zookeeper to clean animal habitats or with our facility staff on maintenance projects.
Enrichment: Help us make treats for the animals.
Events: Lend a hand at the zoo’s public events! These opportunities include decorating and setting up for events and assisting during the events themselves.
Please fill out and return the above form to the Volunteer Coordinator. We need at least 3 weeks notice in order to schedule group volunteer requests.
Summer Gardening (summer only) Still taking applications for 2025!
Join the zoo’s Summer Gardening Program to help us make our grounds as beautiful as possible for summer visitors and the animals. Your green thumb will be put to good use as you give back to your community, spend the summer outdoors, make new friends and enjoy the company of zoo animals. Here are the details:
Summer gardening April through September.
Gardening volunteers must commit to a minimum of 4 hours weekly.
Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, etc.
Must be 18 or older with reliable transportation.
Volunteers must have access to a device for our online calendar.
Summer Volunteer (summer only) Summer 2025 Garden Crew is full
>>>>Summer volunteers are age 16 and over. Scroll down this page to see our teen options for ages 13-15!<<<<
Summer is by far the busiest season at the Alaska Zoo, especially in the petting zoo! We are looking for fun, responsible, people with a love of animals. Come join the fun with our goats, rabbit, and chickens while helping visitors, young and old, learn about our zoo.
The time commitment is May through August.
Summer volunteers must be able to commit to at least 4 hours per week.
A mandatory training session will be held in late spring.
Must be 16 or older with reliable transportation.
Volunteers must have access to a device for our online calendar.
Once reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator, you will be contacted if you are selected for the program. You will be asked to attend the next monthly orientation meeting. Orientations start in May.
NEW! Summer Volunteen Program (summer only) 2025 Volunteen Program is full.
The Alaska Zoo is proud to provide a volunteer opportunity for young adults ages 13-15. This is perfect for those who are considering a future career with animals, zoos, education, or for those just looking for a fun volunteer opportunity! Volun-teens will have a chance to gain valuable experience and learn skills to help them in their future careers including responsibility, public speaking, how to work well with others and animal knowledge. Most people who work in zoos or related fields start by volunteering. Those who are still interested in volunteering after they turn 16 can transition into our regular Volunteer Program.
Information and applications for the 2026 Summer Volunteen Program will be available starting February of 2026. If you have questions about the program please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator; volunteer@alaskazoo.org
For all volunteer opportunities listed above, the final determinations made regarding a volunteer’s placement in the program will be at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers are encouraged to be independent, with no parental supervision required while performing their volunteer duties.