Become a Zoo Volunteer

1. I love to talk and enjoy engaging in conversations
2. I have a great sense of direction and would enjoy assisting visitors with directions and orientation
3. A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in and get things done.
4. I get inspired working with others but equally can be relied on to work independently. 
5. I am physically able to move around the zoo safely
6. I would be able to learn and follow zoo protocols and respond accordingly
7. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you – you would be best suited to our Visitor Assistant role. For more information, click here.

To apply for this role, click here.

1. I love to talk and enjoy engaging in conversations.
2. I have a passion for learning new things, especially about animals and wildlife conservation - and would love to complete a 12 month training programme and  share my knowledge with visitors. 
3. A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in and get things done.
4. I get inspired working with others but equally can be relied on to work independently. 
5. I am fit enough to spend a whole day walking around the Zoo.
6. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you - you would be best suited to our Zoo Guide role. For more information, click here.

To apply for this role, click here.

1. I would like to be part of a team that works together to create items for our animals.
2. I'm a detail person and understand the importance of following instructions to ensure the health and wellbeing of the animals.
3. I am interested in learning more about the primates at Auckland Zoo and the importance of their enrichment programmes.
4. I love to engage people in conversations and would enjoy sharing what we do with visitors.
5. I don't mind tasks that require dexterity and attention to detail.
6. I can handle repetitive tasks but also like to use my initiative as part of a team dedicated to continually developing enrichments for the animals.
7. I am fit enough to stand for most of the day while I am working and understand that bending and lifting could also be part of my day.
8. I can commit to coming in on a Saturday. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3 pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you - you would be best suited to our Enrichment Volunteer role. For more information, click here.

To apply for this role, click here.

1. I don't mind getting my hands dirty.
2. Although I will be working alongside the zookeepers, I will happily spend more time working in kitchen areas and cleaning empty enclosures than around the animals.
3. I am very reliable and available to work the same long days that keepers do (a regular commitment of either weekly or fortnightly for up to eight hours each day, with some sections starting at 7am!).
4. I am proactive, love being part of a team and can be relied on to follow Health and Safety guidelines while working behind the scenes.
5. I am physically fit and able to undertake roles than involve bending, lifting, hosing and cleaning enclosures.
6. As Keeper Assistant roles are limited and there is often a waiting list, I would be happy to initially look at another volunteer role, while I wait for a suitable role to become available
7. I am available to work between the hours of 7am - 5pm and can commit to regular days either weekly or fortnightly. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you - you would be suited to our Keeper Assistant role.

To be eligible to apply for a Keeper Assistant role you must either be an existing qualified Auckland Zoo Volunteer, be a qualified Zookeeper or be currently completing the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Management (Captive Wild Animals).

For more information on the application process please contact the Volunteer Coordinator:

1. volunteer.coordinator@aucklandzoo.co.nz
2. (09) 353 2090

1. I'd prefer jobs that are a bit more physically demanding.
2. I am fit enough to cut and collect grass, clean, sweep, lift and deliver items around the Zoo.
3. I have a flexible, can-do attitude and will be happy to pick up all those odd jobs that need doing.
4. I enjoy talking with people and will be happy to help visitors if they approach me while I am working around the Zoo.
5. I'm an all-weather type person and am not fazed by a set routine each day I come in.
6. I can be relied on to work independently and am known for my reliability and common sense.
7. I will happily be available each volunteer day from 9.30am - 3pm. I am over 18 years old and would definitely be able to commit to volunteering for at least the next 12 months.

If this sounds like you, you would be best suited to our Zoo Crew role. For more information, click here.

To apply for this role, click here.

1. I would gain some volunteer experience. 
2. I would love to be part of a team.
3. I am confident and enjoy talking to people and will also be happy to undertake some practical tasks around the Zoo.
4. I understand that the role would not involve work experience or direct animal contact.
5. I am keen to study and learn new things and develop my visitor engagement skills.
6. A bit of rain doesn't worry me because I have a can-do attitude and enjoy the fun you get when you muck in to get things done.
7. I am fit enough to spend the whole day walking around the Zoo, able to work independently and can commit to coming in weekly.
8. I would definitely be able to come in on either a Saturday or Sunday for the entire programme.

If this sounds like you - you would be best suited to our Tuatara Club Junior Volunteer role. 

There will be two intakes, one starting August, and one starting December. There are also two options regarding days, you can choose either the Saturday Programme or the Sunday Programme.

You will need to be confident that you can attend every week for a three month period, the hours each volunteer day are from 9.30am – 3.00pm. This is very important, please check the dates below carefully. You should not apply if there are any days you will not be able to attend.

The 2019 intake information is as follows:

August Intake

• Applications open 1 July
• Applications close 30 July
• Interviews 10 and 11 August
• Induction Day 17 August
• Programme starts Saturday 24 or Sunday 25 August
• Programme finishes Saturday 9 or Sunday 10 November

November Intake

• The November Intake will not be offered in 2019. We will release the dates for the 2020 Intakes in February 2020.

Volunteering after the completion of the programme?
Provided you meet the entry criteria, you may be able to apply for another zoo volunteer role on the completion of the Tuatara Club Programme and the over 18 year requirement will be waived. Please note, that acceptance for on-going volunteer roles is not guaranteed.

Before applying, please download and read the Tuatara Club FAQs

Please note: You will be required to complete a conservation quiz as part of your application process. You may want to research the information first before starting the application process, click here to download conservation quiz questions.

Any queries, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator on email: volunteer.coordinator@aucklandzoo.co.nz or phone: (09) 353 2090.

We currently do not have any Community Volunteer Day opportunities available, we will provide an update here when new opportunities become available.

1. We are part of a community group/work team and are available for a full day's volunteering.
2. We are part of a community group or a work team of up to 12  people and would be available to do a full day's volunteering from 8.30am - 2pm.
3. We are all-weather type people, and not fazed by a bit of weeding, mulching or moat cleaning.
4. We are physically fit and can be relied on, have can-do attitudes and common sense.
5. We understand that there are limited oppotunities available and community volunteer days may only be available from October to March.

If this sounds like you - you would be best suited to our Community Group volunteer role.