INFORMATION
For more information on purchasing a zoo membership, please Click Here.
Current Volunteers
Wild Opportunities
Thank you for expressing an interest in volunteering with the San Antonio Zoo! If you are passionate about animals and conservation, then volunteering for the Zoo will be an awesome experience. The Zoo is open 365 days a year so our volunteer opportunities are flexible.
The San Antonio Zoo does not accept
community service, court appointed or
short term volunteers.
The benefits of volunteering with the San
Antonio Zoo.
- Personal development
- Volunteer shirt and nametag
- Orientation session and volunteer
handbook - Annual TB testing for volunteers
working in animal care departments - Extensive animal, plant and
conservation training - Invitations to special Zoo functions and
opportunities to volunteer at special events - Quarterly Volunteer Newsletter
- Annual volunteer recognition party
- Zoo membership
- 10% discount at Zoo Gift Shops
- 30% discount at Food and Beverage Stands
Volunteer Calendar Highlights
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Docents
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Adult Opportunities |
Student(14 And Older) Opportunities |
| Docents (click for more info) (Volunteer Educators) Download an application |
Youth Volunteer Opportunities Zoo Team, Summer Camp, Summer Naturalist Download an application |
| College Interns (click for more info) Download an application |
Please mail completed applications to:
San Antonio ZooATTN: Volunteers Services
3903 N. St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
Adult Opportunities
Docents
| Back to TopDocents serve a vital role in helping the San Antonio Zoo reach its mission of providing a diverse educational experience to our many visitors each year. With provided training, they are involved in a variety of educational opportunities including touring school groups, interpreting zoo exhibits, and presenting education animals.
There are currently two docent programs: weekday and weekend. Weekday docents are required to volunteer one 3-hour shift a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday). Weekend docents can create their own schedule on either Saturdays or Sundays and are required to volunteer 6 hours a month.
Docent open houses are held August, November and April. Docent
Training is in August and January.
San Antonio Zoo Docents must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Criminal background check
- Read and abide by the policies listed in the Volunteer handbook
- Maintain a customer friendly attitude
- Keep an accurate record of volunteer hours
- Report on time for volunteer service
- Provide annual proof of TB testing
- Wear a designated uniform and nametag while volunteering on Zoo property
- Commit to either the Weekday or Weekend docent program
- Complete two training sessions over a two year period to prepare them for their duties
- Attend continuing education training to remain current on animal presentation procedures
- Notify Volunteer Services, in writing, of any change in volunteer status
Download the Zoo's Docent Volunteer Application (pdf)
College Internships
| Back to TopSan Antonio Zoo internship program is designed to allow college students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Internships are unpaid and housing is not provided. However, credit hours may be earned depending on the intern's school policy regarding internships. Interns are required to work for a minimum of 200 hours.
Internships are available throughout the year, but positions are limited and occasionally may not be available. The summer is our busiest time of the year and all applications must be received by May 5th in order to be considered. Applications are accepted throughout the year for Fall and Spring semesters.
Applicants must complete the application process and summit an application, current resume, two letters of recommendation, a current transcript and a cover letter explaining what you want most out of an internship with the Zoo.
San Antonio Zoo interns must:
- Complete 200 hours either through a part-time or full-time internship
- Criminal background check
- Read and abide by the policies listed in the Volunteer handbook
- Maintain a customer friendly attitude
- Provide annual proof of TB testing
- Keep an accurate record of volunteer hours
- Report on time for volunteer service
- Wear a designated uniform and nametag while volunteering on Zoo property
- Meet with Volunteer Services at the end of the internship to conduct an exit interview
- Notify Volunteer Services, in writing, of any change in volunteer status
Internships Available:
Education Department
The Education Department is responsible for formal and informal program offerings available for zoo visitors. These include scheduled classes for children, adults, families, school groups, summer camp programming and educational special events. This is a great opportunity for communication, public speaking, education, and drama majors.
- Education Department Intern: Projects vary with interns program of study, semester of completion as well as intern interest.
- Nature Spot Intern: This is a fantastic learning experience for students majoring in Early Childhood education. Interns conduct their internship in Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot, which is a special area of the zoo designed for children under the age of 5 and their families. Interns develop and implement educational crafts, lead activities, monitor age appropriate use of the exhibit and conduct scheduled up-close animal encounters. We are looking for students who enjoy interacting with the public through conversation and play and have a love of nature and children.
- Summer Camp Interns: This is excellent opportunity for education and natural science majors to gain hands on experience teaching informal science education, as well as zoological and naturalist studies. Camp interns assist in the planning and facilitating of daily camp activities and teach zoo related curriculum as well as participate in animal handling.
- Graphic Design: The San Antonio Zoo handles all graphic design for signage and most printed materials in-house. Interns are responsible for computer generated materials that vary from project to project and semester to semester.
Animal Care
The San Antonio Zoo's animal collection includes more than 3,500 animals representing over 750 species. An animal department internship may include experiencing the daily operations of animal care, exhibit maintenance, animal behavior and record keeping. When possible interns will be placed in areas that match their goals and interests.
These internships are not research-based positions. Animal Departments are organized into 9 different areas:
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Aquarium
- Elephants (elephants, giraffes, zebra, etc.)
- Large Mammals (rhinos, big cats, hoofstock, marsupials, etc.)
- Phase 1 Mammals (hippos, okapi, prairie dogs, squirrel monkeys, etc.)
- Small Mammals (primates, medium and small cats, anteaters, sloths, armadillos, bats, bears, etc.)
- Nutrition Center (food prep for all the animals in the collection)
- Vet Interns (available only to 2nd year Vet students, no pre-vet internships are available)
Development, Human Resources, IT department
Occasionally positions may become available in these departments.
Special Events Interns needed for Winter/Spring 2010.
Marketing Interns Winter/Spring 2010. Still accepting applications.
Download the Zoo's Intern application (pdf)
Marketing/PR Intern: A great experience for anyone entering the fields of marketing, public relations and tourism. Create animal facts sheets for the zoo’s website. Assist with basic press releases and guest surveys. Knowledge of basic computer skills, Photoshop, and photography is a must. Must have a great attitude and be able to approach visitors.
Youth Volunteer Opportunities
| Back to Top
Started in 1991, the San Antonio ZooTEAM became the first youth volunteer program at the San Antonio Zoo and we’ve had a lot of fun ever since. Teens applying must have a drive to learn and the ability to share with the public information on the plants and animals in the zoo. They should be comfortable working as a team and be looking for an opportunity to display leadership.
There is a $20 uniform and training fee required for all first time teenage volunteers. First year ZooTEAM do not handle animals.
San Antonio Zoo Teen Volunteers must:
- Be at 14 years of age or older
- Be mature and maintain a professional attitude while representing the zoo
- Attend mandatory orientation(s)
- Be interested in learning about animals and conservation
- Agree to read and abide by the policies listed in the Volunteer handbook
- Maintain a customer friendly attitude
- Keep an accurate record of volunteer hours
- Sign a parental consent form
- Report on time for volunteer service
- Wear a designated uniform and nametag while volunteering on Zoo property
- Notify Volunteer Services, in writing, of any change in volunteer status
In order to be considered, you must have a complete application packet which includes the application form, parental consent form and essay, and two letters of recommendation.
Zoo Team
ZooTEAM is a year-round volunteer program. Applications must be received no later than August 1st 2010. Volunteers are interested in increasing their knowledge of zoo animals and conservation. Volunteer opportunities are scheduled on weekends and teenagers pick from a list of scheduled opportunities. Throughout the year, volunteers help out with special events such as Feast with the Beasts, Zoo Run and Zoo Boo. ZooTEAM volunteers work with the Education Center to: educate zoo visitors, assist with craft and activity tables in the zoo, assist with office work, help direct and answer general guest questions and assist the zoo with service projects that become available. All ZooTEAM volunteers must commit to a one-year commitment and volunteer at least 5 hours per a month. ZooTEAM are eligible to work as either Naturalists or Summer Camp Volunteers during the summer.
There is a $20 uniform and training fee required for all first time teenage volunteers. First year ZooTEAM do not handle animals. In order to be considered, you must have a complete application packet which includes the application form, parental consent form and essay, and two letters of recommendation.
Summer Naturalist
Summer Naturalists are youth volunteers who assist the Education Department by doing educational presentations and activities throughout the busy summer months. Teens interested in this program must be interested in speaking directly with the public, love animals, and attend training and orientation sessions. Volunteers are trained on specific areas of the zoo. They use biofacts, arts and crafts, and the animals in the exhibit to generate conversation with our summer guests. Summer Naturalists agree to work at least two whole weeks. Applications must be received no later than April 1st 2010.
Summer Camp Volunteers
| Back to TopSummer Camp volunteers assist the Education Department with the summer camp programs for ages 4-14 years of age. Camp volunteers help by facilitating crafts, preparing and cleaning up classrooms and helping instructors tour the campers in the zoo. Summer Camp Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. They must attend a summer camp orientation in May to learn about how to be a summer camp assistant. Volunteers must commit to volunteer for at least two whole weeks everyday, Monday-Friday. Applications must be received no later than April 1st 2010.
Download the Zoo's Youth Volunteer application (pdf)