Short-term Volunteer Opportunities

Join our Volunteer team, creating fun and memorable guest experiences at the Zoo!

We now offer three flexible and fun short-term Volunteer opportunities for adults. You can choose the days and shifts that suit you best and easily sign up online. 

Volunteer Botanical Interpreters

If you love plants, consider this new opportunity!  Toronto Zoo Volunteer Botanical Interpreters provide a roaming tour of the Toronto Zoo public greenhouse, describing the plants on exhibit and helping guests make the important connection between plants and wildlife.

Term: Mid-May to December 31       Hours: 60 per term

Volunteer Hosts

Toronto Zoo Volunteer Hosts are friendly and welcoming faces for Zoo guests, providing information and directional assistance at various outdoor locations on the Zoo site. Volunteer Hosts should enjoy being outdoors and be good with directions. Knowledge of the Zoo site is an asset, but not mandatory.
Term: Mid-May to October 31           Hours: 50 per term

Volunteer Wildlife Health Centre Interpreters

Toronto Zoo Volunteer Wildlife Health Centre Interpreters showcase the incredible work that goes on behind-the-scenes at the Zoo’s state-of-the-art health care facility. Stationed in the Wildlife Health Centre viewing gallery, these Volunteers interpret the clinical areas on view and facilitate activities for kids and families. Background knowledge of human or animal health care is an asset but not required.

Term: Mid-May to October 31           Hours: 50 per term

Qualities of a successful Toronto Zoo Volunteer

  • Enthusiastic and friendly
  • Organized with the ability to take direction well
  • Appreciation for wildlife and nature and the desire to learn more
  • Reliable
  • Good verbal communication skills in English
  • These opportunities are for adults (not appropriate for secondary school students)

Perks and Requirements for Short-term Volunteers:

  • Weekday and weekend, morning and afternoon shifts are available. Volunteers select their own preferred day(s) and times to complete their duties and sign up online.
  • Training is provided.
  • Zoo Volunteers receive free admission for themselves and two guests, as well as free Zoomobile rides and a discount at the Zoo shop.
  • Successful applicants for this and all Zoo Volunteer opportunities are required to obtain a satisfactory Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector search at their own expense before carrying out any Volunteer duties.
  • Toronto Zoo is accessible and welcomes Volunteers of all physical abilities. Volunteers must be able to move themselves throughout the Zoo’s large site.
  • Zoo Volunteers fulfill an educational role and do not have contact with our plants or animals, nor behind-the-scenes access to the Wildlife Health Centre.

Recruitment for 2020 Short-term Volunteer Opportunities is now closed. We will be recruiting for the 2021 program starting in February 2021.

Are you interested in a more in-depth volunteer experience? Check out our Year-Round Volunteer and Summer Information Volunteer opportunities.



Student Ambassador


Student Ambassador
 

Volunter working with kids at the Zoo Year-Round Volunteer Guides
Join our diverse team of dynamic and outgoing adults educating and inspiring visitors, taking the lead at special events, and promoting wildlife conservation.
Volunter working with kids at the Zoo Summer Information Volunteers
Inspire visitors' curiosity at seasonal interpretive stations throughout the Zoo, provide information to guests, and assist at special events.
Volunter working with kids at the Zoo Zoo Ambassador Student Volunteers
Secondary and post-secondary students are invited to enhance visitors' experiences at special events throughout the year and at our Zoo Kids camp during the summer months.
Student Volunteer Short-term Volunteer Opportunities
Fun and flexible Volunteer opportunities that allow you to use your people skills and get a taste of what volunteering at the Zoo is all about.