Volunteer Opportunities
Above all else, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is dedicated to the preservation of the Earth's natural resources. We are proud to invite members of the community that share our passion to join our team as a volunteer. Ages 14 on up are encouraged to become a part of our volunteer team. Whether you are interested in plants, animals or people, we have an opportunity for you! For specific questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (405) 425-0275 or mkesler@okczoo.org.
Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Junior Curators Program
Interested in what goes on behind the scenes at the Zoo? We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic teens to join our programs. Selected teens volunteer with keepers and staff to see what it takes to run the zoo and inspire the next generation.
Scout Eagle and Gold Awards
Are you a Boy Scout seeking your Eagle Award or a Girl Scout seeking your Gold Award? Partner with the OKC Zoo to develop a project that will help you earn your award and improve the Zoo!
Adult ​Volunteer Opportunities
- Click here to download a list of opportunities.
- Must be 18 or older.
- Must attend orientation and recruitment session.
- Orientation begins at 10am followed by interviews.
- Held in the Rosser Conservation Education Center.
- Applications available only during orientation.
- Subject to background check, TB test and drug screening.
- Must abide by the Personal Appearance Guidelines.
Animal Area Volunteers
Assist Zoo Keepers with their animal husbandry duties. Work behind the scenes to help clean, and maintain our animal exhibits and enrich the lives of our animal residents. A perfect fit for those looking to get experience in the field of zoology. Please note there is no unauthorized contact with animals!
Horticulture Volunteers
Use your green thumb to help our Horticulture team maintain our accredited Botanical Garden. Learn from our garden masters as they care for our 110 acres, including an onsite green house.
Docents
Do you enjoy talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation? Do you enjoy being outdoors? Join us to create extraordinary experiences for our guests as an education volunteer! You, too, can become a community conservation leader and educator. Please note: All new education volunteers must begin their service as an ambassador.
Haunt the Zoo Volunteers
In October, we celebrate Haunt the Zoo for Halloween and are looking for energetic volunteers for this “spook”tacular event in the evenings from October 26th thru the 31st.
Group Volunteers
Our Group Volunteer Program offers organizations the opportunity to participate in the hands-on work of keeping our Zoo in top form. Learn more about registering your group for a project.
Community Service Volunteers
We are unable to accept volunteers seeking to fulfill court-appointed community service hours.
College Internships
The Oklahoma City Zoo offers internships for college students in a variety of study areas within the Zoo. This opportunity allows students an opportunity to learn essential skills and gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry, horticulture, conservation education, museum studies, or marketing/public relations. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (405) 425-0275.
Application Deadlines:
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Summer 2017 semester - The application deadline has passed.
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Fall 2017 semester - Deadline is May 15, 2017
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Applications must be received or postmarked by the deadline date. Applications may be mailed or hand-delivered. Emailed and faxed applications will not be accepted.
Veterinary Preceptorships
- Available for clinical (4th year) vet students and post-graduate veterinarians.
- Length: 3-6 weeks
- How to apply: Please send current resume or CV, at least 2 references, and a list of preferred dates to Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino at jdagostino@okczoo.org.