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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 have completed recruiting for the spring season and look forward to your participation this fall.
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 have time to donate, 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. The 3-hour specialized training includes information about our kangaroos and wallabies, their lifestyle and native habitat.
Gallery Guide
Work with Zoo staff to greet and educate visitors in the unique and award-winning Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. Assist visitors with information in the Butterfly Garden, the Art Gallery and the Aquarium. All Gallery Guides attend two, 3-hour training sessions taught by Zoo staff to get acquainted with the facility and its residents. Hummingbirds are back and Gallery Guides enjoy pointing them out to guests!
 Docent
Share your knowledge and appreciation of animals with groups of adults and children. Participate in educational programming at the Detroit Zoo and deliver outreach programs to schools and organizations in Detroit and surrounding communities. Docents staff the Arctic Ring of Life, the National Amphibian Conservation Center and answer questions at animal habitats. Docents learn about the Zoo and its animal residents during in-depth spring or fall training session taught by Zoo staff.
Special Event Volunteers
From Bunnyville in April 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 see how volunteering fits into your life and to play an important role in the success of your Zoo.
Belle Isle Nature Zoo (BINZ)
Public deer feedings at the Deer Encounter are a highlight of the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. BINZ Brigade volunteers assist with the feedings while providing information and answering questions along the way. They also assist at the various special events throughout the year. These are great opportunities for the Belle Isle enthusiast. To join the BINZ Brigade, please atttend the special Belle Isle Orientation Session listed below.
Even more options!
As enticing as the above options are, there are other ways to become involved. Help as a Staff Aide or Ford Education Center Volunteer. Seasonal volunteer opportunities for next spring include: Arcitic Ring of Life Guest Assistant, Gardener and Zoo Ambassador. Contact us for more details.
How to Volunteer
All volunteers must submit an application form, attend Volunteer Orientation as described below, complete an interview and 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
Detroit Zoo Orientation Part 1
(Description of volunteer opportunities, expectations and benefits)
Wednesday, September 24 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
or
Saturday, October 18 9:30 a.m. to noon
Detroit Zoo Orientation Part 2
(Emergency preparedness and volunteer procedures)
Saturday, October 18 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Belle Isle Nature Zoo Orientation (held at Belle Isle Nature Zoo)
Saturday, October 11 9:00 a.m. to noon
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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