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Volunteers make the difference at the Minnesota Zoo! Opportunities abound for teenagers through senior-agers looking for fun, unique and interesting volunteer positions.
Teenage Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Why become a Minnesota Zoo Volunteer?
People just like you volunteer at the Minnesota Zoo for many different reasons. Common responses to this question include:
- love of animals and/or plants
- concerned about environmental issues and want to do my part to help animals, plants and the world in which we live
- new to the area and looking to make new friends who have similar interests
- expand my knowledge and looking to be challenged by learning new things
- the need to share one’s time, talents and energy with others
- the list could go on and on
Do I need training to volunteer?
This simple answer is yes, and we provide the training that you will need in order to be successful in your volunteer role at the Minnesota Zoo. Every position has different requirements. Training to volunteer in the gift shops starts with a zoo orientation and then on-the-job training. Other positions, like our adult interpretive volunteer, require a longer training period. Training requirements are discussed again in the following pages and at the time of your interview.
When can I volunteer?
We have volunteers assisting our staff and our guests seven days a week. Most opportunities are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, there are limited occasions when we need volunteer support in the evenings.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
The minimum age to become a Minnesota Zoo Volunteer is 13.
Commitment? What’s that all about?
Every year, Volunteers donate about 90,000 hours of service. This commitment is HUGE and allows the Zoo to expand our programming to better serve our guests, the people of Minnesota and beyond. The commitment requirement is determined by the volunteer opportunity that you choose. Some opportunities require a summer-only commitment for four hours a week. Some opportunities require a one-year commitment of two to four days a month. We will talk more about this in interview and orientation sessions.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?
This question has many answers. Opportunities might include but are not limited to:
- volunteering at the Wells Fargo Family Farm where you might work in the goat yard, assist guest seating in the cow milking parlor or interpret in the swine barn
- assisting guests shop in our gift shops, replenishing merchandise on shelves, and bagging purchases
- handling mailing and filing projects and data input, for the Education Department or Zoo Foundation
- Interpreting with artifacts along all exhibit trails at the Zoo
- Staffing the Sealife Booth, Conservation Booth, Minnesota Lodge Booth and General Information Booth
- Assisting with our Summer Camp Program that provides unique week-long experiences for 2,500 campers each summer.
Are there benefits for volunteering at the Minnesota Zoo?
Volunteers are offered many incentives in exchange for sharing their time, talents and energy. Examples include:
- Free Admission and parking to the Zoo, Monorail rides, and IMAX Theatre
- Free Admission and parking to the Zoo and Monorail ride for immediate family
- Discounted admission to the IMAX Theatre for immediate family
- Discounts at the gift shops and food concessions at the Zoo and Theatre
- Continued training opportunities in the form of seminars, workshops and
lectures
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