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Keeper/Animal Care Volunteers

If you’re interested in our Keeper/Animal Care Volunteer program, please submit a completed City Volunteer Application, resume, cover letter, and proof of at least 100 hours working with large/exotic/wild animals at a facility other than the L.A. Zoo. The latter can be in the form of a time sheet or a letter from your supervisor. Vet tech or pet store experience does not apply. If accepted into the program, you are required to submit a current TB test (within three months) and commit to a minimum of two eight-hour days per month.

Opportunities for Animal Care Experience

You can accumulate animal care experience by contacting any of the following institutions, keeping in mind that the minimum age requirement for most of these positions is 18 years.

Aquarium of the PacificLong Beach(562) 951-1659
California Wildlife CenterMalibu(818) 222-2658
Gibbon Conservation CenterSanta Clarita(661) 296-2737
International Bird Rescue
Living Desert MuseumPalm Springs(760) 962-5339
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature CenterTorrance(310) 972-7725
Marine Mammal Care CenterSan Pedro(310) 549-5677
Natural History Museum (Live Animal Program)Los Angeles(213) 763-3534
Santa Ana ZooSanta Ana(714) 836-4000
Santa Barbara ZooSanta Barbara(805) 962-5339
Wildhaven RanchLake Arrowhead(909) 337-1391

Other options include:

  • Local animal rehabilitation centers
  • Equestrian centers*
  • Dairy or agriculture centers*

*Please note, experience with horses/cattle will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.