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Over 1000 people support the Detroit Zoo by generously donating their time. In 2007, volunteers logged a record 88,580 hours! We recruit new volunteers in spring and fall each year.
We want you to volunteer at the Detroit Zoo!
Training or previous experience is not required; we will train you for the area in which you are interested. Training classes are offered in the spring and fall each year. We are looking for friendly, outgoing individuals 18 or older. If you enjoy the Zoo, care about animals and the environment (and people too), and have time to donate during the summer, you may be the perfect candidate. Volunteers do not feed or handle the animals but there are lots of other ways you can help.
Australian Outback Adventure-Mob Squad
Guests walk among the kangaroos and wallabies on a pathway through the inside of their habitat. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions and to facilitate the flow of visitors. Specialized training includes information about our kangaroos and wallabies, their lifestyle and native habitat.
Arctic Ring of Life Guest Assistant
The Arctic Ring of Life (ARL) is a must-see element of a Zoo visit. Volunteers in this area learn about the seal and polar bear residents in order to answer questions and to share their compelling rescue stories. On extra busy days, they organize the flow of visitors through the Polar Passage while bears and seals swim overhead.
 Zoo Ambassador
This is a job for a real "people person." Greeting and welcoming visitors as they enter the Zoo, helping them find the facilities and exhibits they are looking for, sharing the news of the day regarding special events and activities, all of these and more fall under the Zoo Ambassador job description. And, of course, as our diplomats of customer service, they do it all with a smile.
Special Event Volunteers
From Bunnyville in March through Zoo Boo in October and all of the Wild Winter, the need for volunteers to assist at our special events is ongoing and growing. Events just do not happen at the Zoo without the assistance of volunteers. No training or regular schedule is required. We list the needs in our monthly newsletter and you respond when the date and job fit your interest and availability. We only ask for 20 volunteer hours in a year to stay on our active list, so it is a great way to test the waters, to see how volunteering fits into your life and to play an important role in the success of your Zoo.
Even more options!
As enticing as the above options are, there are many other ways to become involved. We also have these ongoing volunteer programs: Docents, Gallery Guides, Staff Aides, Gardeners and Ford Education Center Assistants. Opportunities exist at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo as well. Some require special skills or longer training, more of a time commitment or year-around availability.
How to Volunteer
All volunteers must submit an application form, attend Volunteer Orientation Part 1 and Part 2 (see below), complete an interview and pass a criminal background check. At the Orientation and during the interview we will familiarize you with the goals, requirements and commitments necessary for each position. Click on Form in the column on the left to request an application and additional information.
2008 Orientation Dates
Orientation Part 1
(Description of volunteer opportunities, expectations and benefits)
Wednesday, April 30 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 7 9:30 a.m. to noon
Orientation Part 2
(Emergency preparedness and volunteer procedures)
Wednesday, May 7 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 7 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Adrienne Polumbo,
Assistant Volunteer Services Manager
Email: volunteer@dzs.org
Phone: (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802
Fax: (248) 542-4465
Are you interested in a full or part-time job at the Detroit Zoo?
See the latest job listings.
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