Volunteers are an important part of the zoo, whether it’s preparing diets for the animals, helping to clean animal habitats, giving guided zoo tours, or many other activities. The OC Zoo has three main types of volunteers - animal keeper volunteers, docents, and petting zoo volunteers. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Animal keepers volunteers assist the zoo’s animal keepers by helping clean exhibits, preparing food for the animals, creating enrichment, and assisting with projects. Docents are the zoo’s education volunteers and assist in our Zoo Education Department by giving guided tours to school children, assisting with toddler classes, scout programs, conducting story time programs, staffing Discovery Carts with hands-on animal artifacts, helping with special events such as "Halloween at the Zoo" and "Christmas at the Zoo." Additionally, Docents may conduct educational talks, handle reptiles, assist with off-site events, direct children’s crafts, and much more! A training class and manual is provided for all docents.
If you are interested in becoming an OC Zoo Volunteer please view the following volunteer role descriptions:
To learn about OC Parks Volunteer requirements, training, and to apply click here. For additional questions on the OC Parks Volunteer Program email volunteer@ocparks.com.
