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, and
  • Assisting with special assignments for events and assisting with 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 commit to at least six hours per month, enjoy being outside, and share a commitment to the mission, policies, and protocols of the Minnesota Zoo and the Volunteer Program.

Upon completion of the training, volunteers receive:

  • Free admission and parking
  • A discount for family members
  • A discount for retail and food services
  • A free uniform shirt
  • Belonging to a community of others who share in your passion.

Applications for new Zoo Ambassadors are currently closed

After submitting an application, you will be required to attend one of the following virtual info sessions along with an orientation at the Zoo:

Virtual Info Session Dates and Times:
Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30 – 6:30pm
Saturday, August 24 from 2-3pm
Thursday, Sept 12 from 11am-12pm

Onsite Orientation Dates and Times:
Wednesday, September 25 from 2-6pm
Saturday, September 28 from 9am – 1pm
Saturday October 12 from 8am – 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
  • Help provide guidance, leadership, and be a role model for our campers
  • Enjoy sharing a love of the natural world with a younger generation

Interested individuals must:

  • Be at 13-17 years old during the 2024 summer season
  • Fill out an application
  • Provide two references from a non-relative or family member

Upon completion of the training, ZooTeen Volunteers receive:

  • Free admission and parking
  • A discount for family members
  • A discount for retail and food services
  • A free uniform shirt
  • Sharing your passion for animals, the natural world, and conservation with others and helping to make the Minnesota Zoo a great place to be.
  • Belonging to a community of others who share in your passion.
  • Mentoring from our education and volunteer staff
  • The opportunity to get a letter of recommendation for jobs or colleges

Applications to become a Zoo Teen are currently Closed.

If you have any questions about the application process or the MN Zoo’s Volunteer Program please send an email to [email protected] and Volunteer Services staff member will respond as soon as possible.