Alaska Zoo Volunteer Program

Volunteers are the driving force behind our mission to serve the community, visitors and wildlife of Alaska.

Volunteers cleaning blackbear!.jpg

why should i 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 to educate the public while expanding your horizons.

Perks for all volunteers:

  • A zoo volunteer shirt

  • A name tag

  • 20% off in the Gift Shop

  • Invitation for you and your family to the zoo’s end-of-summer staff/volunteer party

  • A zoo annual membership if you volunteer 50 hours or more in a year


Volunteer Opportunities

We have our volunteer opportunities divided into four categories - permanent (year-round), group (project-based), summer gardening, summer volunteer (summer only) and teen (summer only).

permanent volunteers (year-round)

  • We have a need throughout the year for following: Camp assistant, storyteller, tour guide, event booth leader, 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 are available for ages 16 and older only, no exceptions. You must also have access to a mobile device to use our volunteer calendar as well as reliable transportation.

  • New volunteers are required to give 15 hours in the petting zoo and 20 hours total in the first two months, prior to permanent admission into the program. You become an official zoo volunteer after your first 20 hours is completed.

  • Attend each zoo event held in the first two months of volunteering, as well as each monthly volunteer meeting (six per year required).

  • To apply, click on the permanent volunteer link below and return the completed application. If you are accepted into the program by our Volunteer Coordinator, you will be asked to pay a small background check fee and you will be invited to the next montly orientation meeting.


Group Volunteering (Project-based, year-round)

The zoo has projects for your scouts, students or employees. Note: Group opportunities do not include working directly with animals. Group projects take place in:

  1. Enclosure Cleaning and Maintenance: Work with a zookeeper to clean animal habitats or with our facility staff on maintenance projects.

  2. Animal Enrichment: Help educators or zookeepers make toys and treats for the animals.

  3. Events: Lend a hand at the zoo’s public events! There are opportunities such as making cotton candy, interacting with visitors as a zoo mascot and more.

To apply, click on the group volunteering link below and return the completed application. Once reviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator, you will be contacted if your group is matched with a project at the zoo.


summer gardening (summer only)

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 runs from April through August.

  • Gardening volunteers must commit to a minimum of 4 hours weekly.

  • Tasks include planting, watering, weeding and more.

  • Volunteers in the program must be 18 or older with reliable transportation.

  • Volunteers must have access to a device to use the online scheduling calendar.


summer volunteer (summer only)

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.

  • We will hold a training session in late spring which will be mandatory to attend.

  • Summer volunteers must be 16 or older with reliable transportation.

  • Volunteers must have access to a device to use the online scheduling calendar.

To apply, click on the summer volunteering link below and return the completed application. We will accept applications for 2024 summer volunteers through April. 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 volun-teen program (Summer Only)

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.

Volun-teen Timeline:

  • March 2024 – Application period opens 

  • March 23rd – Information open house 

  • April 17th, 2024 – Application period closes

  • April 17th-May 1st – Applications reviewed

  • May 1st - Applicants will be notified of their status

  • May 25th – Teen and parent orientation 

  • June 4th-6th – Training at zoo

  • July 1st-5th – Week off for 4th of July

  • August 8th – Last day 

There will be an informational open house on March 23rd in the Gateway Classroom from 1-3pm. Those interested in the program can meet the Volunteer Coordinator and learn more. 


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.