The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

 Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!!

We have two different applications to choose from, so make sure you're applying for the one that's best for you! 

• Adult (18+) Volunteering: Applications for Spring 2026 open February 2, 2026 and close on February 23, 2026 @ noon.
  • Apply here: Adult (18+) Volunteer Application Link
• Junior Zoo Guides (ages 14-17): Applications for the 2026-2027 JZG program open February 23, 2026 and close March 16, 2026 @ noon. 

We are excited you are here! At Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we’re creating a future where people and wildlife thrive together and we are excited that you would like to join our team. As a conservation organization, we know that our work is urgent; and we respond with boldness and driven by collaboration, because we know that saving species takes all of us. We hold ourselves accountable, support one another, and turn big ideas into real action. While the challenges are complex and evolving, we approach them with hope, care, and even a sense of fun. Our culture is relentless and caring in everything we do.

By applying to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo team, you will join a globally recognized charitable conservation organization that guides, innovates, and applies scientific solutions to restore some of the world’s most endangered species. Locally, nationally, and globally, we take action in the wild every day to yield powerful benefits for nature and for people.

Our more than 1,000 employees and volunteers are passionate about inspiring people to take action to sustain wildlife and wild places, welcoming over 1.3 million guests annually. As visitors discover the rare and endangered species that we love and care for at our facilities, they are directly contributing through admission and on-grounds sales to a not-for-profit, charitable conservation organization that works to fight extinction of plants and animals worldwide.

Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.

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What You Need To Know Before You Apply:

Volunteers are required to complete a minimum hour commitment each year to remain an active volunteer. We offer a variety of volunteer shifts throughout the year, providing flexibility to meet this requirement.

• We do not offer one-time or short-term opportunities and require a long-term volunteer commitment. A minimum commitment of 50 hours per calendar year for adults and special commitment hours (60 summer, 20 special event) for Junior Zoo Guides is required. 

Volunteers start their journey by applying to our general volunteer program, where volunteering is primarily focused on visitor engagement, special event and conservation education roles. These opportunities are strongly focused on engaging with the public and interacting with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

• Advanced volunteer opportunities such as Animal Care, Health & Welfare, Horticulture and Conservation & Science become available on an as needed basis and are filled from our pool of internal active volunteers (ages 18+) who have completed a 20-hour probation in general volunteer roles and demonstrated an active and consistent commitment to volunteering while waiting for advanced opportunities to open.

Please note: Volunteers do not interact with or handle animals.

We use a volunteer system called Better Impact, which is where interested individuals can submit their applications and if accepted, will manage their volunteer activities. We understand that not everyone may have regular access to technology or feel confident using online tools. To support you, we can offer guidance on:

• How to access public library computer and internet services.
• Staff assistance to help you learn how to navigate the volunteer software. 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility, and all Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo employees and volunteers working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a variety of outdoor conditions.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence in inclusion, and an environment that is barrier-free.

• If you require support through any stage of the volunteer application process, please contact Volunteer Relations team at volunteer@calgaryzoo.com.

Those interested in volunteering must start by submitting an application during our application periods which are posted above.  Please note: We only accept a limited number of volunteers each year. If your application is not accepted during the application period in which you applied, we warmly invite you to apply again next year.

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If you are accepted to the volunteer program, you will follow the volunteer onboarding process here:

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has a standard volunteer application and screening process for all applicants to the volunteer program.

1. Fill out an online application. All applicants will receive an email letting them know the outcome of their application.
2. If accepted, the volunteer applicant will be contacted to attend a group interview.
3. If accepted after the group interview, the volunteer applicant will be asked to attend a group orientation & training session.
4. Complete additional training as required: Once your application is accepted, you will be provided with training to ensure you are set up for success as a Calgary Zoo Volunteer. Our training program includes online training, an in-person orientation, and a one-on-one familiarization with a Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo staff member.
5. Complete 20-hour probation: The first 20 hours of your volunteer time with us is probation. This allows you to try out and shadow a number of different opportunities across the zoo while being supported by an experienced volunteer.

There are some opportunities that require a vulnerable sector check and/or police check. 

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