Keeper/Animal Care Volunteers
Keeper/Animal Care Volunteers will need to submit a completed City Volunteer Application, resume, and proof of at least 100 hours working with large/exotic/wild animals at a facility other than the L.A. Zoo. The latter can be in the form of a time sheet or a letter from your supervisor. Vet tech or pet store experience does not apply. If accepted into the program, you are required to submit a current TB test (within three months) and commit to a minimum of two eight-hour days per month.
Positions will be posted when available.
Opportunities for Animal Care Experience
You can accumulate animal care experience by contacting any of the following institutions, keeping in mind that the minimum age requirement for most of these positions is 18 years.
| Aquarium of the Pacific | Long Beach | (562) 951-1659 |
| California Wildlife Center | Malibu | (818) 222-2658 |
| Gibbon Conservation Center | Santa Clarita | (661) 296-2737 |
| International Bird Rescue | ||
| Living Desert Museum | Palm Springs | (760) 962-5339 |
| Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center | Torrance | (310) 972-7725 |
| Marine Mammal Care Center | San Pedro | (310) 549-5677 |
| Natural History Museum (Live Animal Program) | Los Angeles | (213) 763-3534 |
| Santa Ana Zoo | Santa Ana | (714) 836-4000 |
| Santa Barbara Zoo | Santa Barbara | (805) 962-5339 |
| Wildhaven Ranch | Lake Arrowhead | (909) 337-1391 |
Other options include:
- Local animal rehabilitation centers
- Equestrian centers*
- Dairy or agriculture centers*
*Please note, experience with horses/cattle will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.