Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo


Welcome!

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.  

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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- 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

Brew at the Zoo

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

Dreamnight

Activity Shifts Start End
Dreamnight: Food Service Assistants 1 6/6/2025 6/6/2025

Education

Activity Shifts Start End
Family Camp 2 6/21/2025 8/16/2025
Jr. Vet Clinic Docent 450 5/20/2025 12/31/2025
Kids Night Out Helper 4 9/26/2025 12/12/2025
One-Day Camp Helper (6-12) 12 6/19/2025 12/30/2025
Summer Camp Helper (3-5) 101 6/23/2025 8/29/2025
Teddy Bear Clinic 2 7/27/2025 7/27/2025
Zoo Safari Helper 0 5/20/2025 5/20/2025
Zoo to You helper 9 6/9/2025 8/11/2025

Fall Conservation Bash

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

Guest Services

Activity Shifts Start End
School Group Assistance 18 5/21/2025 6/20/2025

Holiday Nights

Join us for some holiday fun!

The Zoo will be lit up with holiday lights and filled with fun holiday activities.

Positions available:

  • Holiday Nights - Ticket Sales
  • Holiday Nights - Ticket Scanner
  • Holiday Nights - Greeter
  • Holiday Nights - Fire Pit Monitor 
  • Holiday Nights - Santa's Elf
  • Holiday Nights - Choir Coordinator
  • Holiday Nights - Concessions
  • Holiday Nights - Smores Package Assembly
  • Holiday Nights - Craft Station
  • Holiday Nights - Exhibitor Assistant
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

Noon Year's Eve

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

Penguin Palooza

  • A day to celebrate penguins that will include games, free ice cream and penguin keeper chats.
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

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 7/2/2025 11/5/2025
Monthly Volunteer Meetings - Virtual 1 10/1/2025 10/1/2025

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!

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

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.