JOIN US IN CREATING CHAMPIONS FOR WILDLIFE.

AS A ZOO VOLUNTEER, YOU WILL:

• CONNECT kids and adults to the natural world by sharing important conservation messages at the Zoo’s many on-site interpretive stations.
• SHARE your people skills by greeting guests, providing directional assistance, and helping visitors make the most of their day at the Zoo.
• INSPIRE community members at on- and off-site events to join us and support our conservation work.
• EMBODY the Zoo's mission by connecting people, animals, conservation science, and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.
• LEARN something new every day! Training is provided for all volunteer roles, and we offer continued learning and professional development opportunities.
• ENJOY meeting like-minded people, and a flexible commitment that suits your lifestyle and schedule.

Please note, all Toronto Zoo volunteer opportunities are educational in nature, and do not involve handling of or contact with the animals or plants at the Zoo.

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Receive comprehensive training encompassing animal and plant knowledge, and interpretation techniques 
• Use and develop your skills in sharing knowledge and guiding others
• Enjoy free admission to the Zoo for yourself and up to three guests, and discounts in our gift shops and restaurants
• Take part in exclusive events held throughout the year to recognize the valuable contribution of Volunteers
• And much more!

The Toronto Zoo is committed to inclusive recruitment practices and strives to foster a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. We welcome Volunteers of all physical abilities and are dedicated to providing an accessible environment for everyone. Please note, Volunteers must be able to navigate the Zoo’s large site independently or with the assistance of a support person they provide.

The Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees and Volunteers feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and women.

• 
  Will I get the chance to work with animals as a Toronto Zoo Volunteer?

• No, while you will learn a lot about the animals in our care, Toronto Zoo Volunteers do not handle or work directly with animals (or plants) and are not involved in animal husbandry.

• 
  Do I get paid to be a Toronto Zoo Volunteer?

• No, all volunteer positions at the Toronto Zoo are unpaid. For information regarding paid part-time or full-time positions, please visit the Zoo’s career page at: https://www.torontozoo.com/jobs

• 
  Does the Toronto Zoo require references for Volunteers?

• All applicants are required to provide the names and contact information of three professional references.

  For secondary students, we're generally looking for references from a teacher, guidance counselor, sports coach, an employer, or a supervisor from a previous volunteer role. Please note: family, friends (including fellow students), or friends of the family are not acceptable references.

• 
  What happens after I submit my application?

• All applications are reviewed after the application deadline and a notification regarding the status of your application will be sent by email. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview and candidates who are successful in their interview will be invited to attend training.

• 
  How many people are usually accepted into the Zoo’s volunteer programs?

• The number of people we can accept into each volunteer program depends on many factors. As a result, we cannot provide an estimated acceptance rate. Please note that not all applicants are accepted into the program, as placement is limited and based on program needs and applicant suitability.

• 
  I missed the deadline to apply for the program I’m interested in. Can I still submit an application?

• Our volunteer programs are highly structured and involve extensive training. Training dates are scheduled well in advance, and we do not offer alternate sessions throughout the year. As a result, we are unable to accept applications outside of our pre-determined recruitment periods.

• 
  Do you have short-term volunteering opportunities?

• Adults who are looking for a short-term opportunity are encouraged to apply for our Summer Information Volunteer or Volunteer Wildlife Health Centre Interpreter program. These programs operate during the Zoo’s peak season (from May to October), and applications open annually in mid-February.

  We do not offer short-term volunteering opportunities for secondary students.

• 
  Can I apply for/suggest a volunteer role that isn’t listed on the Zoo’s website?

• While we appreciate your generous offer to assist, we are not equipped to take on Volunteers for opportunities that are not listed on the Zoo’s website.