Volunteering At The Minnesota Zoo

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If you have a passion for animals, the environment, conservation, and enjoy being around people, consider volunteering with the Minnesota Zoo. Volunteers serve a critical role in the Minnesota Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats by introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Zoo Ambassador Volunteers. 

As a Zoo Ambassador, you will help create an outstanding Zoo experience for every guest by:

  • Welcoming guests, helping with directions, and offering suggestions for a fun and meaningful visit
  • Sharing information about your favorite animals, habitat, or conservation project
  • • Assisting with special assignments for events and our many educational programs

In this role, you will be able to choose from a variety of trails such as the Treetop Trail, Minnesota Trail, Northern Trail, Discovery Bay, Tropics Trail, and the Zoo farm.

Zoo staff will provide you with training which includes an orientation equipping you with general knowledge about the Zoo campus, special events, the animals, and animal habitats. Once Ambassador Volunteers are trained, volunteers may progress into other volunteer roles such as being a member of the interpretive team, mentoring new volunteers, and assisting with more in-depth projects.

Interested volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, be willing to volunteer at least 75 hours within the year, enjoy being outside, and share a commitment to the mission, policies, and protocols of the Minnesota Zoo and the Volunteer Program.

To become a Zoo Ambassador you must first attend a virtual info session. After attending the info session, you will be provided with a link to an application that must be completed. Once your application is completed you will be sent a link allowing the Minnesota Zoo to run a background check, this is required for all Zoo staff and volunteers.

2025 Virtual Info Session Dates and Times for Adult Zoo Ambassadors:

You can register now for any of the following info sessions below:

January 11th 10am – 11am
January 29th 5 – 6pm
April 5th 10 – 11am
April 16th 5 – 6pm
August 20th 5 – 6pm
September 6th 10 – 11am

Onsite Training Dates and Times:
Wednesday, February 26th 2-6pm
Saturday, March 8th 8 – 12 pm
Wednesday May 21st, 2 – 6pm
Sunday, June 8th 8 – 12pm
Wednesday, September 17th 2 – 6pm
Saturday, October 4th 8 – 12pm

ZooTeen volunteer program

ZooTeens help support our Zoo Camps by:

  • Helping keep track of campers as they go about the zoo (both around and behind the scenes)
  • Assist with crafts and activities to ensure they run smoothly
  • Being a role model for our campers
  • Sharing a love of the natural world with a younger generation

To become a ZooTeen you must be between the ages of 13 – 17 and complete the following steps in this order:
1. Attend ZooTeen Info Session
2. Fill out an online Application – including parental/guardian consent agreement The link to the application is provided after attending the info session.
3. Submit Reference letter
4. Sign up for an Interview with a MN Zoo Volunteer Services Staff member
5. Sign up for in-person training
6. Sign up for summer camps

2025 Virtual Info Session Dates and Times for ZooTeen Volunteers:

You can register now for any of the following info sessions below:
Wednesday, January 15th 5pm – 6pm
Wednesday, February 5th 5 – 6pm
Wednesday, March 12th 5 – 6pm

After completing your ZooTeen application you will be able to sign up for interviews on the following dates:
Saturday, February 22nd
Sunday, March 16th
Saturday, April 12th

Onsite ZooTeen Trainings occur on:
Saturday, May 10th 9am – 3pm
Sunday, May 18th 9am – 3pm

Upon completion of the training, volunteers receive:
• Free admission and parking
• A discount for retail and food services
• A free uniform shirt
• Belonging to a community of others who share in your passion.

If you have questions please reach out to [email protected] and a volunteer services staff member will respond in a timely manner.