City of San José

The ZooTeen Program is for teens who are interested in pursuing a career involving zookeeping, zoo education, veterinary care, conservation biology or other related field. ZooTeens work closely with our education and animal care teams. They conduct meet- and- greets and animal care routines, and they assist camp counselors with summer camp programs. Additional volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year.

The ZooTeen Program is highly competitive with limited availability. Applications are accepted November through February and selected applicants are invited to an interview. Applicants who are not selected are welcome to reapply the following season. Prior volunteer experience with animal handling, public speaking and/or working with children is beneficial but not required.

The docent program is for adults who are interested in volunteering in an educational setting within a zoological facility. Docents work closely with our education team and conservation education ambassadors to conduct animal meet- and- greets and exhibit hosting. Docents may also assist zoo educators during on- site class programs and special events.

The Keeper Aide Program is for adults who are interested in volunteering in a zoological facility alongside zoo staff to provide daily care for our exhibit animals. They are assigned to specific routines, which include cleaning animal exhibits, preparing diets and/or providing enrichment for our zoo animals.

Keeper Aides are assigned to a single routine that they learn and complete over the first six months. After the initial period, Keeper Aides are given an evaluation and may be invited to continue beyond six months. Previous experience with animal husbandry and/or animal safety is beneficial.