A female zoo volunteer places fish in a metal bucket. A whiteboard in the background includes instructions for preparing animal diets.

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Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in fulfilling the Zoo’s mission of saving wildlife, enriching our communities, and creating connections to nature.

If you have a love for our natural world, an interest in spending time with visitors of all ages, and are able to complete the required training, we invite you to join this dedicated team. There are many opportunities to join L.A. Zoo’s family of volunteers. Learn more by clicking the button on the spotlighted opportunity below.

Volunteer sitting on a wooden cratepets a goat. The goat has a black head and tan body. In the background green trees and a metal fence.

Core VOLUNTEERS

Core Volunteers assist guests on grounds, support animal care behind the scenes, help staff in the office, and engage with the community. Interested in being a part of this team? Click to learn more!

a group of children on a zoo tour cluster around a female docent holding a photo of a jaguar

DOCENT VOLUNTEER

Do you love animals and working with children? Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? The docent training program could be just for you!

Female volunteer chops vegetables preparing food for gorillas.

KEEPER/ANIMAL CARE VOLUNTEERS

Learn more about our Keeper / Animal Care volunteer program.

Volunteer Award winners for 2025

FEATURED VOLUNTEER

Meet our STAR volunteers. Bari Borsky, Paula Riggin, Liz LaDou, Ilyse Frieder, Kathy Inman, and Leann Kruse-Arcia. They are this year’s “Silver Star,” “Shooting Star,” “Shining Star” and “Comet Award” recipients.

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