HOUSTON ZOO Houston Volunteer Opportunities ⋆ Serve for Good

About

What Is It?

A nonprofit organization housing more than 6,000 animals, attracting more than 2 million guests a year and “fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world.”

Help Needed:

Help with children’s summer camps, educate visitors while serving as a volunteer Naturalist, or perform other tasks. Please contact the Zoo for COVID-related updates.

Details

Minimum Age to Volunteer

13, with a maximum age of 17. (18-year-olds may volunteer in the adult program.)

Time Commitment

Summer programs require commitments of 3-5 weeks, depending on the program.

Training Needed

Volunteers will be trained in safety, guest service, and working with children, as well as other training that may be needed for the particular assignment.

All teens participating in Zoo Crew for the first time must complete a summer of Zoo Crew Explorers before they may participate in year-round programming or the advanced options (Junior Zookeeper, Camp Mentor, Naturalist, Theater). Note: There is a $150 fee for the 5-week summer program; the fee for year-round participation is an additional $100.

Help Needed

FIRST YEAR ZOO CREW EXPLORERS

This is a 5-week summer program that includes 2 weeks helping with Camp Zoofari, 2 weeks as a Naturalist providing education to Zoo guests, and 1 week of keeper shadowing and career information. Two sessions are offered, in May/June and July/August.

JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER

Assist zookeepers with daily care of the animals, including feeding, cleaning, and observing. For teens who have completed one summer of Zoo Crew. Must commit 3 full weeks during the summer. Age requirements and schedule depends on the animal section they are selected to work in.

CAMP MENTOR

Assist with Camp Zoofari summer camp for kids 4-12 years old. Duties include helping teach lessons and crafts, monitoring and managing camper behavior, and being a mentor and role model to campers. For teens who have completed one summer of Zoo Crew. Must commit to 3 full weeks during the summer.

NATURALIST

Educate zoo guests about Zoo animals and conservation actions they can take to protect animals in the wild. Must commit to 3 full weeks during the summer. For teens who have completed one summer of Zoo Crew.

THEATER

Present theatrical performances for zoo guests to educate them about animals and conservation. For teens who have completed one summer of Zoo Crew. Must commit to 3 full weeks during the summer.