Volunteer Opportunities
Rhea Observational Study
Sequoia Park Zoo is seeking dedicated volunteers to conduct a Greater rhea behavioral study in conjunction with the National Zoo in Washington D.C. The study aims to provide better understanding on how rheas spend their time and determine the exact relationship between adult females & chicks.
Volunteers are requested to commit to a 40-minute observation period at least twice a week with a minimum 4 month commitment. We'll provide free Zoo admission and a hot beverage to volunteers on their observation days! For more information, please e-mail Zookeeper Kelsey Kuhn.
Special Event Volunteers
The Zoo Foundation hosts 5 special fundraising events each year, and we always need help with running activity stations for the kids and serving up concessions. This is a perfect way to give back to the community, and all the funds raised at these events benefit the animals. Pick and choose which events to be a part of-- your time commitment can be as little as 4 hours, but it makes a huge impact! Please email us or call the Volunteer Coordinator at 441-4205 to learn more.
Spiff Up the Zoo Work Days
Are you handy with a paintbrush? Skilled at gardening? Interested in helping the Zoo looks it's best? Throughout the year, the Zoo hosts several "Spiff" days dedicated to improving and maintaining our facilities. This is a great way for community organizations, families and individuals to make an immediate improvement and enjoy instant gratification. Our next Spiff Day will be held from 11am-2pm on May 7. Please email us or call the Volunteer Coordinator at 441-4205 to learn more.
Zoo Crew
Want to work more closely with the animals? This year-round program offers individuals ages 16 and up the opportunity to take part in some of the Zoo’s day-to-day activities, like feeding, observing, cleaning and handling animals. There are also opportunities for giving demonstrations and helping out at our special events. This position is for a volunteer interested in a longer commitment and requires training. Learn more here or contact our Volunteer Coordinator via email or call 441-4205.
Youth Assistant Keepers (Y.A.K.)
Children ages 11 to 15 work closely with Zoo staff and learn about the Zoo's domestic animals and what it takes to care for them. Kids in this program help in multiple aspects of running the Zoo's barnyard: from feeding animals and supervising the Contact Corral to cleaning stalls and composting. Learn more here, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator via email or call 441-4205.
Zoo Interpreter Program
The Zoo Interpreter Program (ZIP) is a volunteer opportunity for those interested in inspiring the public through hands-on exploration of the Zoo’s exhibits and animals. If you have ever wanted to volunteer at the Zoo as a docent or guide, this is your opportunity. No experience is required, just a passion to share the Zoo and its mission. The program’s official season is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Volunteer shifts take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-1pm and 1pm-3pm, plus set-up and take-down time. In its first year, we will introduce three Discovery Carts— Exploring Birds in the Aviary, Living with Raccoons in our Backyards and Keeping Bears Wild. Carts will include a variety of teaching tools such as eggs, feathers, fur, binoculars, skulls, tracks and more! Learn more here, or download a printable version of the application here.
Community Service
Opportunities to volunteer for specific community service projects are available on a short-term basis. Please inquire with the Zoo Manager regarding details, as far in advance of your needs as possible.
Roots & Shoots
Roots & Shoots, a youth initiative founded by primatologist and humanitarian Dr. Jane Goodall in 1991, is a youth led and driven international network of community groups uniting under the premise that every individual can change their community and alter their future. The Sequoia Park Zoo Roots & Shoots Chapter is a group dedicated to the health and well being of the Sequoia Park Zoo and the community as a whole. The Chapter's youth participate in projects ranging from tree plantings to exhibit renovations and have completed over 50 projects since its founding in June 2007. They were recently named the most active Roots & Shoots Group in the California Region and have also attended local, regional, national and global Roots & Shoots events. If you are interested in becoming a part of this chapter, email Roots & Shoots for more information.