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.
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.
I would like to volunteer
Volunteer Roles
Asian Elephant Extravaganza
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- Set up | 1 | 8/14/2027 | 8/14/2027 | |
Docents
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Docent Training | 1 | 10/11/2026 | 10/11/2026 | |
Education
The Education Department manages a number of programs and events all year long. Volunteers wishing to participate in Education programming must first attend orientation, have a signed waiver and background check on file, and have a record of reliable volunteer service. Some positions require additional training and this is noted.
Education Programming includes:
- Special One-Day Day Camps (typically on school holidays / days off)
- Week long Summer Camps (June - August)
- Zoo to You / Library Programs (all year long)
- Adult Zoo Camp
- Stroller Safari / Wild Beginnings
- Managing docent shifts @ the Junior Vet Clinic
- Docent Training / Docent Shifts / Zoo Tours
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jr. Vet Clinic Docent | 166 | 10/5/2026 | 1/1/2027 | |
| Kids Night Out Helper | 1 | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2026 | |
| One-Day Camp Helper (6-12) | 18 | 10/12/2026 | 1/1/2027 | |
| Wild Beginnings (PreK) Helper | 3 | 10/19/2026 | 12/14/2026 | |
| Zoo to You helper | 8 | 10/6/2026 | 2/17/2027 | |
Trainings
The Training Tab is for any additional Trainings that Volunteers can complete beyond the New Volunteer Orientation. These can include, but are not limited to
- Why Zoos Matter Class & Test
- Cave and Adaptations Training
- Any Docent Trainings
- Animal Wildlife Trail / Zoo Tour Training
- Any E- Learning Modules
This category IS NOT for any event specific information / training sessions - these will be under each events as appropriate.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Service Safety & Sanitation E-Learning Training | 1 | |||
Volunteer Meetings
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 | 3 | 10/7/2026 | 12/9/2026 | |
Zoo Boo
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!
If you are viewing this page as a public link or as a List, you may only see shifts listed for the first date (10/17). Please log into your volunteer portal and view these shifts via the Opportunity Calendar in order to select all four dates.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoo Boo - Costume Parade and Contest Coordinator | 4 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Craft Stations | 6 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Event Information Table | 8 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Game Stations | 7 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Palm Oil Information Table | 8 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Selfie Station | 7 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Set Up | 4 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Story Time Reader | 2 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Tear Down | 4 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo - Treat Stations | 6 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo- Entertainment Coordinator | 7 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
| Zoo Boo- Treat Runner | 8 | 10/17/2026 | 10/25/2026 | |
Mission Statement
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.
