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Volunteer Opportunities
Support Conservation While Giving Back
Our volunteers are integral to our operation. Adult volunteers, Zoo Teens and Interns comprise the three programs managed by our Volunteer Services Department. Adults may volunteer for year round assignments or for a special event. Zoo Teens begin to learn about careers in zoos and aquariums, as well as gain job skills. Internships allow students to gain valuable real-world experience in areas such as animal care, education and administration. Learn more about each area below.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Animal Care volunteers play a vital role by assisting zoo keepers in exhibit maintenance, diet preparation and behavioral enrichment. Animal Care volunteers should be prepared for all weather conditions and must be extremely dependable — animal lives are dependent on animal care personnel! Positions may be available in the following areas: Deserts, Encounters, Marine Mammals, Plains, Primates and Oceans. Volunteers in Animal Care areas volunteer on a consistent every-other week schedule with shifts starting as early as 7am and ending by noon. Animal Care volunteers are asked to make at least a one-year commitment.
Volunteer gardeners help staff at either White River Gardens or on Zoo grounds with Zoo Horticulture. Duties for both areas include routine plant care, such as watering, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, planting and transplanting. Horticulture volunteers should be prepared for all weather conditions and must be dependable.
The Indianapolis Zoo’s Wild Ambassadors provide informal engagement with on-grounds Zoo guests. Wild Ambassadors engage with guests through quality interpretive techniques, and use story, artifacts and hands-on activities to make deeper connections between Zoo guests and the natural world. Wild Ambassadors complete additional in-person and virtual training sessions as part of their new volunteer onboarding process.
From exhibit openings to events on Zoo grounds, Special Event volunteers play an integral role in making Zoo events a success. Annual events, such as Zoobilation, ZooBoo, and Christmas at the Zoo, are dependent upon volunteers to run smoothly. Positions are varied based on the needs of each event.
Have you always wanted to work in a zoo? Would you like to do something “wild” next year?
The Zoo Teen Program is an exciting way for high school students ages 13 to 18 to explore career opportunities, meet new friends, gain customer service skills, and much more!
The Indianapolis Zoo seeks responsible, reliable, enthusiastic students who are interested in learning about animals, can interact with Zoo guests, and can be role models for their peers. Students of all academic levels will be considered for the program.
The Zoo Teen Program can further students’ interests, help them to explore career goals and develop interaction skills in a professional environment. This is a unique opportunity for students to work on the wild side at one of the state’s top attractions.
- Submit an application during the November/December registration period.
- Attend one of two open house sessions in January.
- Participate in a small group interview.
- Attend Orientation and training sessions.
- Candidates must be 13 years old by the application deadline. No exceptions.
*The application deadline for the 2025 Zoo Teen Program has been closed.*
ZOO TEENS ARE ASKED TO VOLUNTEER:
- One day per week (the same day each week) throughout the summer, OR two one-week time blocks depending on assignment
- One shift (two-five hours) per month during the school year (April, May, September and October)
- Volunteer at least one shift at ZooBoo or Christmas at the Zoo.
- Consistent attendance is required for all Zoo Teen assignments.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Services using the contact form below or at 317-630-2041.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each program has a separate application process. For Adult Volunteer and Zoo Teen applications, please see the Adult Volunteer and Zoo Teen sections above for further details.
For intern applications, please visit our Internships page by clicking the button below.
Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to be an Intern or Adult Volunteer. Students between the ages of 14-18 are eligible to be a Zoo Teen.
Time commitments vary depending on the volunteer program you’re involved in. Please find more information about time commitments and requirements as an Adult Volunteer, Intern or Zoo Teen.
Adult Animal Care Volunteers and Animal Care Interns may work closely with zookeepers in exhibits and animal holding areas but they do not have direct contact with the animals. Zoo Teen positions are focused on guest services.
Adult volunteers are required to purchase a volunteer uniform shirt for $27.00. (An additional fee applies to shirts size 2XL and larger). Shirts are provided for College Interns and Zoo Teens.
Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week. A waiting list exists, however, for most weekend positions.
Volunteering at the Zoo requires a 6-month minimum commitment within a 12-month term. College students who are at least at the sophomore level and studying in the United States are eligible for the College Internship Program. Internships are available in Spring, Summer and Fall semesters in both Administrative and Animal Care roles.
The Indianapolis Zoo does not offer court-ordered community service work.
A limited number of group opportunities are available to create animal enrichment items, assist at special events, and more. Fill out our group service project request form by clicking the button below.
A limited number of one-time volunteer opportunities may be available during events such as ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo. Contact Volunteer Services through the form below or at (317) 630-2041 for more information.
Due to the overwhelming demand for job-shadowing opportunities each month, the Zoo is unable to accommodate these requests.
Yes, the Zoo has an extensive Internship Program for current college students studying in the United States.
For more information, contact Volunteer Services through the form below or 317-630-2041.
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