For the guests, animals, and conservation.

Sedgwick County Zoo volunteers are dedicated to promoting the Zoo’s mission and educating guests about animals and conservation.

The Sedgwick County Zoo is currently accepting new volunteer applications for 2024.

Orientation dates:

• July 13
• July 27
• Aug. 10
• Aug. 21 (4 – 6 p.m.)
• Sept. 11 (4 – 6 p.m.)
• Sept. 28
• Oct. 12
• Oct. 26
• Nov. 6 (4 – 6 p.m.)
• Nov. 23

Orientations are held at the Cargill Learning Center from 8 – 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

All Sedgwick County Zoo volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application. Individuals 18 and older must also pass a background check before volunteer work can begin.

The Sedgwick County Zoo requires all volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Ways To Get Involved

Husbandry Aides

Work directly with zookeepers and staff to perform routine duties such as feedings, cleaning, and general husbandry for our animals. Volunteer work is done near animals, but does not involve direct animal contact, handling, or training. Must be able to stand, climb, and bend for extended periods of time and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors and in all weather conditions.

Husbandry Aide volunteers must be 18 years of age to be considered for a volunteer position, and must complete a training session before beginning volunteer work. Shifts for Husbandry Aide volunteers are a minimum of 4 hours per week and must be regular and consistent.

Conservation Volunteers

Interact with our Zoo guests as an interpretive volunteer. Our Conservation Volunteers play a vital role in educating our Zoo guests about our mission and conservation efforts.

Conservation volunteers must be 18 years of age to be considered for a volunteer position, and must complete a training session before beginning volunteer work.

Docents

If you enjoy being outside, interacting with people, and teaching others about nature, the docent program is for you. Docents at the Sedgwick County Zoo inspire and educate Zoo guests through engaging, hands-on activities.

Docents must be 18 years of age to be considered for a volunteer position, and must complete a training session before beginning volunteer work.

Special Event Volunteers

The Sedgwick County Zoo offers many Special Events throughout the year, including Easter Eggstravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, and Zoobilee. Special Event volunteers have the option to sign up for all events, or just the ones that fit within their schedule and interests.

Must be 14 years of age to volunteer for Special Events. For certain events, volunteers younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Corporate and Group Service Days

The Zoo offers a wide range of opportunities for groups to get involved, ranging from helping with a landscape project to assisting with Signature Events. Each member of the group must complete a volunteer application to be submitted on the scheduled day of volunteering.

Group volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer in Zoo departments and at least 14 to volunteer for Special Events.

Service days must be scheduled with at least two weeks’ notice. And are only offered April through October.