General Volunteers
Rewarding experiences start here! You can make a difference in a visitor’s or animal’s life as well as wildlife conservation by joining the General Volunteer team.
General Volunteers help with visitor engagement and activities throughout the Zoo.
Starting Opportunities Include
- On-Grounds: As the Zoo is over 100 acres of public access, and strewn with hills and beautifully landscaped twisting paths; it can be a beautiful place to get lost in, whether on purpose or not. As an on grounds volunteer you are the friendly face helping visitors navigate the Zoo and spot the animal.
- Events: Special events bring guests to the Zoo to have a good time while learning about wildlife and conservation. Volunteers help facilitate these fun and meaningful experiences through station activities and event preparation.
- Enrichment Garden: The L.A. Zoo Enrichment team maintains an edible garden specifically for the animals. Zoo volunteers help maintain “Bonnie’s Edible Garden” to provide keepers access to novel enrichment items to add to the animals’ diets or playtimes. All plants are non-toxic from root to leaf and are maintained with non-chemical plant protection, for the safety of the animals.
Advanced opportunities include
- Habitat Ambassador
- Muriel’s Ranch (Contact Yard)
- Animal Diet Preparation
- Enrichment workshops
- World of Birds Show
Program Information
Qualifications: Anyone 15 years and over is welcome to apply. Applicants must enjoy working with children and adults of all ages.
Required hours per year: 96
Training: Blended learning with on-line courses and one full day in-person in the classroom and on-grounds.
Special Requirements
- All General Volunteers must maintain a GLAZA membership at any level with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.
- For the safety of the animals, an annual negative tuberculosis test is required.
- Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination is required.
- All Volunteers must successfully complete a fingerprint background check.
Note: All volunteers must submit an application through our website, which will be reviewed by Volunteer Department staff. Depending on the needs of the Zoo at the time, and/or your field of interest and experience, you may be contacted for an interview. Please note, there is limited space in this program. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive an orientation and appropriate training for specific assignments.
For more information, please call (323) 522-9355 or send an email to volunteers@lazoo.org.