Welcome!
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The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is the non-profit organization that works to support the Zoo’s mission of connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging guest experiences, exceptional animal care and unparalleled conservation education. We are always looking for enthusiastic new volunteers who care about and support the Zoo’s mission. |
Get Involved NOW - Event Volunteering!
We host events April - December and our volunteers are critical for the success of these events. Most volunteers begin with event volunteering. No specific training is required for most event related volunteer roles.
New Volunteer Orientation - For a more engaging experience!
New volunteer orientations are held quarterly. While orientation is not required for event volunteering, it is a great way to learn more about our volunteer program and how our volunteers help support the mission of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on a more regular basis.
Orientation is required for advanced training classes and volunteer participation in Education Programs. As you get to know us there are trainings available for several advanced volunteer positions throughout the zoo. We also host regular volunteer meetings - another way to build community and stay informed.
Youth Conservation Crew - for ages 10 - 16 years old!
The Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) is designed for students who have an interest in learning more about animals, conservation and the natural world in general. The YCC meets regularly throughout the year. Participants in YCC will be introduced to many aspects of animal well-being, zoo administration, sustainability and conservation efforts throughout the world.
NOTE: The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is an AZA accredited facility. Volunteers MUST BE 14 and older (with a guardian on premises) to volunteer, or 16 and older alone. We do not have any volunteer roles that work directly with our animal care staff, nor working directly with animals, regardless of age. Experienced volunteers can receive advanced training to serve as docents, tour guides and animal observation / encounter volunteers.
A day to celebrate Asian Elephants and the amazing culture surrounding them. Participate in this day to promote Asian elephant conservation.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Elephant Extravaganza- Craft Station Attendant | 2 | 8/17/2025 | 8/17/2025 | |
| Asian Elephant Extravaganza- Entertainment Coordinator | 2 | 8/17/2025 | 8/17/2025 | |
| Asian Elephant Extravaganza- Games Station Attendant | 2 | 8/17/2025 | 8/17/2025 | |
| Asian Elephant Extravaganza- Palm Oil Table | 1 | 8/17/2025 | 8/17/2025 | |
| Asian Elephant Extravaganza- Set up | 1 | 8/17/2025 | 8/17/2025 | |
| Asian Elephant Extravaganza- Tear Down | 1 | 8/17/2025 | 8/17/2025 | |
Join us for Brew at the Zoo on Friday, August 4, 2023! All volunteers for Brew at the Zoo must be 21 or older. Standing is required for the entirety of the shifts. Wear close-toed shoes and the provided Brew Crew shirt.
All Brew at the Zoo Volunteers must also register for the mandatory Brew at the Zoo Orientation Meeting, on Tuesday, August 1 from 5-6 pm.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brew at the Zoo - Post Event Tear Down | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/2/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo - Station Prep | 0 | 7/31/2025 | 7/31/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo - Tasting Cups, Cards and Programs | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo - VIP Assistant (Banquet Hall & Mezzanine) | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo - VIP Assistant (Lounge) | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/2/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo - VIP Assistant (Patio Area) | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo - Wristbander | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo- 50/50 Raffle Attendant | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo- Parking Lot Attendant | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo- Pourer | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo- Silent Auction Attendant | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew at the Zoo- Ticket Taker | 1 | 8/1/2025 | 8/1/2025 | |
| Brew Volunteer Orientation & T-Shirt Pickup | 1 | 7/30/2025 | 7/30/2025 | |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast with Bunny - Cleaner / Floater | 6 | 3/30/2025 | 4/13/2025 | |
| Breakfast with Bunny - Craft Station Attendant | 0 | 3/30/2025 | 4/13/2025 | |
| Breakfast with Bunny - Mascot Handler | 4 | 3/30/2025 | 4/13/2025 | |
| Breakfast with Bunny - Registration | 0 | 3/30/2025 | 4/13/2025 | |
| Easter Brunch - Cleaner / Floater | 2 | 4/20/2025 | 4/20/2025 | |
| Easter Brunch - Mascot Handler | 2 | 4/20/2025 | 4/20/2025 | |
| Easter Brunch- Craft Table Assistant | 2 | 4/20/2025 | 4/20/2025 | |
| Easter Brunch- Registration | 2 | 4/20/2025 | 4/20/2025 | |
| Mother's Day - Host/ Floater / Clearer | 2 | 5/11/2025 | 5/11/2025 | |
| Mother's Day Brunch- Craft Station Attendant | 2 | 5/11/2025 | 5/11/2025 | |
| Mother's Day Brunch- Registration | 2 | 5/11/2025 | 5/11/2025 | |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Docent Training | 1 | 4/13/2025 | 4/13/2025 | |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamnight: Food Service Assistants | 1 | 6/6/2025 | 6/6/2025 | |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Camp | 3 | 4/26/2025 | 8/16/2025 | |
| Jr. Vet Clinic Docent | 561 | 3/25/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
| Kids Night Out Helper | 6 | 4/11/2025 | 12/12/2025 | |
| One-Day Camp Helper (6-12) | 24 | 3/31/2025 | 12/30/2025 | |
| Teddy Bear Clinic | 2 | 7/27/2025 | 7/27/2025 | |
| Zoo to You helper | 18 | 3/26/2025 | 8/4/2025 | |
Volunteer for the Fall Conservation Ball on Friday, September 23, 2022! This evening event recognizes our influential donor and organization relationships and focuses on conservation at the zoo and in the wild! Volunteers for this event should be at least 16 years of age.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Bash - Registration Table | 0 | 9/10/2025 | 9/10/2025 | |
| Fall Bash - Table Set-Up & Decor Crew | 1 | 9/10/2025 | 9/10/2025 | |
| Fall Bash- Catering Assistant | 1 | 9/10/2025 | 9/10/2025 | |
| Fall Bash- Tear Down | 1 | 9/10/2025 | 9/10/2025 | |
Join us for some holiday fun!
The Zoo will be lit up with holiday lights and filled with fun holiday activities.
Positions available:
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Nights - Concessions | 6 | 12/5/2025 | 12/20/2025 | |
| Holiday Nights - Fire Pit Monitor | 6 | 12/5/2025 | 12/20/2025 | |
| Holiday Nights - General Labor Crew | 6 | 12/5/2025 | 12/20/2025 | |
| Holiday Nights - Santa's Elf / Elf Line Monitors | 6 | 12/5/2025 | 12/20/2025 | |
| Holiday Nights - Ticket Seller / Scanner | 6 | 12/5/2025 | 12/20/2025 | |
| Holiday Nights- Craft Station Attendant | 6 | 12/5/2025 | 12/20/2025 | |
Join the Rosamond Gifford Zoo as a volunteer for this special day celebrating the rainbow of families in our community! Enjoy special keeper talks, exhibitors, local artisans, entertainment, activities and much more!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGBTQ+ Family Day of Visibility: Setup | 1 | 5/4/2025 | 5/4/2025 | |
| LGBTQ+ Family Day of Visibility: Storytime guest readers | 1 | 5/4/2025 | 5/4/2025 | |
| LGBTQ+ Family Day of Visibility: Teardown | 1 | 5/4/2025 | 5/4/2025 | |
| LGBTQ+ Family Day of Visibility: General Help - Runners | 2 | 5/4/2025 | 5/4/2025 | |
Join us for Noon Year's Eve, a kid-friendly New Year's celebration at noon instead of midnight!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Up Crew | 1 | 12/31/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
| Dance Party Assistants - Banquet Room Monitors | 1 | 12/31/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
| Games Attendant | 1 | 12/31/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
| Giveaway Table | 1 | 12/31/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
| Juice Toast Attendant | 1 | 12/31/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
| Set Up Crew | 1 | 12/31/2025 | 12/31/2025 | |
This two-day event is focused on cleaning the environment, connecting people with nature, and creating sustainable habitats.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth Day Cleanup | 0 | 4/22/2025 | 4/22/2025 | |
| Earth Day Cleanup - Gardening Supervision | 1 | 4/22/2025 | 4/22/2025 | |
| Party for the Planet - Event Set-up/ Tear Down & Vendor Gate Assistants | 2 | 4/26/2025 | 4/26/2025 | |
| Party for the Planet - Vendor Coordinator | 1 | 4/26/2025 | 4/26/2025 | |
| Party For the Planet- Sapling Handout Station | 0 | 4/26/2025 | 4/26/2025 | |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penguin Palooza- Craft Station Attendant | 2 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
| Penguin Palooza- Entertainment Coordinator | 1 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
| Penguin Palooza- Games Attendant | 2 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
| Penguin Palooza- Ice Cream Attendant | 2 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
| Penguin Palooza- Information Table | 2 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
| Penguin Palooza- Setup | 1 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
| Penguin Palooza- Tear Down | 1 | 7/13/2025 | 7/13/2025 | |
Celebrate Senior Citizens at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, by volunteering at this special early-morning experience created especially for senior citizens(62+)!
Seniors will register in advance to receive free admission and complimentary continental breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. They will also enjoy special keeper talks, access to senior-specific exhibitors, tour the zoo and walk the zoo’s scenic Wildlife Trail.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Citizens Day - General Helpers | 0 | 5/14/2025 | 5/14/2025 | |
| Senior Citizens Day - Wildlife Trail Attendants | 1 | 5/14/2025 | 5/14/2025 | |
This category is for Monthly Volunteer Meetings - In person & Virtual, New Volunteer Orientation Meetings and any additional General Meetings (not event specific) that volunteers can attend.
Volunteers will be credited for hours served for meetings. Please pre-register for all meetings, as this is the only way we can send any meeting updates to you!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Volunteer Meeting - In Person | 4 | 5/7/2025 | 11/5/2025 | |
| Monthly Volunteer Meetings - Virtual | 1 | 10/1/2025 | 10/1/2025 | |
Weekends in October filled with Halloween fun. Please sign up for as much as you can! You are welcome to come every weekend to volunteer in the same position or to try something new!
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoo Boo - Craft Stations | 8 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo - Game Stations | 8 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo - Selfie Station | 8 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo - Set Up | 4 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo - Tear Down | 4 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo - Treat Stations | 8 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo- Entertainment Coordinator | 8 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo- Treat Runner | 8 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
| Zoo Boo-Costume Parade and Contest Coordinator | 4 | 10/18/2025 | 10/26/2025 | |
Join us as a volunteer for the Zoo Run Run on April 22! The Zoo Run Run is a fundraising run for the zoo that takes place within the zoo before it opens. If you'd like to be a fundraiser or can't volunteer but want to participate, click here.
Please note that all volunteers should be able to stand for the entirety of their shift. Close-toed shoes required.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoo Run Run - Refreshments | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run - Starting Line | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run - Water Station | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run- Packet Pick Up- Fleet Feet | 1 | 4/4/2025 | 4/4/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run- Packet Pick Up-Zoo | 0 | 4/5/2025 | 4/5/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run- Registration Packet Assembly | 0 | 4/3/2025 | 4/4/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run- Set up | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run-Finisher Medals | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run-Registration | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
| Zoo Run Run-Tear Down | 1 | 4/6/2025 | 4/6/2025 | |
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is dedicated to connecting people to the natural world by providing engaging guest experiences, exceptional animal care and unparalleled conservation education.
Founded in 1914, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is among the top 10 percent of zoos in North America awarded accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
