Volunteering At The Minnesota Zoo
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If you have a passion for animals, the environment, conservation, and enjoy being around people who share that passion, 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 introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region and around the world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
The Minnesota Zoo is currently seeking Zoo Ambassador Volunteers. This role is where your volunteering begins. 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 Minnesota Trail, Northern Trail, Discovery Bay, Tropics Trail, and the Zoo farm. Scheduling of volunteers is flexible, and you are able to sign up when your schedule allows.
We will provide you with training which includes an orientation providing you with general knowledge about the Zoo campus, special events, the animals, and animal habitats. Once Ambassador Volunteers are trained, you could perform 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
- Sharing your passion for animals, the natural world, and conservation with others and helping to make the Minnesota Zoo a great place to visit.
- Belonging to a community of others who share in your passion.
Applications to become a Zoo Ambassador are currently closed.
Not quite old enough to be a Zoo Ambassador?
Or are you a teen that enjoys working with kids?
Come join our ZooTeen Program!
If you have a passion for animals, the environment, conservation, and enjoy being around people who share that passion, 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 introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region and around the world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
ZooTeens bring that same passion for animals and the environment as our Zoo Ambassadors and helps pass it on to our excited Zoo Campers!
ZooTeens help support our camps and making Zoo Camp even more fun 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 least 13+ years
- 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 letters of recommendation for jobs or colleges
Applications to become a Zoo Teen are currently closed.
