Volunteer

Become Involved

Volunteer at the Zoo

If you’re looking to use your time and talents to make a difference, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is the perfect place for you. Volunteering at your local Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo is a rewarding and exciting experience!

The zoo is seeking dedicated, talented, reliable, energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to help with special events, assist in education programs, help maintain and beautify zoo grounds, and interpret zoo exhibits for visitors.

Who Volunteers

If you have an interest in conservation, animal care and community service more broadly, we welcome you to consider volunteering with the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and experiences: students, teachers, professionals, retirees and animal lovers of all ages. Volunteers must be 14 and older (with a guardian on premises) to volunteer or 16 and older alone.

NOTE: We do not have any volunteers that work directly with our animal care staff, nor working directly with animals, regardless of age.

Experienced volunteers can receive advanced training to serve as education approved volunteers, docents, tour guides and animal observation / encounter volunteers. Most volunteers begin by supporting our many fun events throughout the year.

Volunteer Applications

General Volunteer Application

Education Volunteer Application

Group Volunteer Application

Active Volunteers

Volunteer App Login

Conservation Education

Education approved volunteers assist our zoo education team with programs that promote public awareness of wildlife and nature conservation. Opportunities include assisting instructors of classroom education programs, assisting with Zoo to You off-site programs, helping with indoor and outdoor education activities, and staffing animal artifact and information stations.

Corporate, Community & Alumni Groups

Bring a team from your company, community organization or alumni group to the zoo for a work project – it’s a great team-building activity, a break from the office routine, good exercise and a feel-good opportunity to support a beloved community asset.

Youth Conservation Crew

For ages 10-16 years old, the Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) is designed for students who have an interest in learning more about animals, conservation and the natural world in general. The YCC meets regularly throughout the year. Participants in YCC will be introduced to many aspects of animal well-being, zoo administration, sustainability and conservation efforts throughout the world.

High School and College Students

Hone important skills for your future career by assisting with zoo programs and events. Gain experience with customer service, public interaction, large-scale events and of course, conservation. Volunteer status at an AZA-accredited institution looks great on a resumé and is a fun way to earn those community service hours!

Green Grounds and Gardens

(Participation is through the Syracuse Garden Club and Master Gardeners program via Cornell only)

Members of the Syracuse Garden Club and Master Gardeners program help us improve and maintain our beautiful zoo grounds through on-site projects. The zoo’s green infrastructure includes rain gardens, a butterfly garden and even a vegetable garden that provides enrichment for the animals.

Zoo Events

Help the zoo host fun, educational events by greeting guests, staffing special event stations, assisting with arts, crafts, games and face-painting, help stage and decorate event spaces and more!