We have various volunteer programs available, for applicants aged 14 years and older.  There is no need for specific qualifications or prior industry experience – what we look for is motivation, confidence, a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to care for our animals and guests.

International visitors can also become involved within our volunteer program. Applications can be submitted prior to arranging travel however volunteer positions cannot be fully confirmed until all relevant paperwork is submitted. We advise against finalising any travel plans until you receive notification of a volunteer placement.

International applicants must be 18 years or older.

Becoming a volunteer at Australia Zoo or the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has never been easier.  For more information, download our Volunteer Application Pack here.

For any additional questions, simply fill in an enquiry form on our ‘Contact’ page. You can then apply through our secure online application form, by clicking here.

Once we receive your completed application including your photo, your current resume with references plus proof of identification and vaccinations, your application will be reviewed.  If successful,  you will be invited to a face-to-face interview at Australia Zoo. If you are located interstate or in a remote location, online interviews may also be available.  It is important to note a volunteer position cannot be guaranteed until after an interview is conducted.

All new volunteers are required to participate in an induction and a 5-day probationary period, which are rostered across one calendar month. This gives you the best possible opportunity to immerse yourself in the experience, as well as gain valuable feedback from our experienced team members.

Australia Zoo provides volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

The Australia Zoo volunteer program is always in high demand and we recommend applying at least 1-2 months in advance of your preferred probationary volunteer start date. Some times of the year are especially popular (e.g. school holidays) and we recommend you allow a longer expression of interest lead time for those periods.

All volunteers are expected to complete a five day probationary placement. Longer blocks may be offered, subject to availability. These are generally available to university students, interstate and international travellers. After you have completed your probation you may have the opportunity to apply for an ongoing placement. This is subject, however, to roster availability and other operational factors.

During your 5-day probationary placement, you will assist our Birds and Australasia departments. However, we also offer volunteer opportunities in other areas, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Guest Experience and Education to name a few.

After your probation is complete, you are welcome to apply to become an ongoing volunteer.  However, this comes with an ongoing commitment of at least one day a week.   If you are successful in obtaining an ongoing position, there may be future opportunities to volunteer with our senior departments, such as Tigers, Africa, Reptiles and now Elephants.

No day at the zoo is ever the same, especially when you’re a volunteer. Every department is different and you’ll get to work with a variety of different zoo crew. For keeping volunteers, the daily duties you’ll be involved with will relate to animal husbandry, which may include habitat cleaning and maintenance, food and dietary preparation and making enrichment items for animals, as well as guiding and assisting Australia Zoo guests.

Alternatively, our Guest Relations Volunteers will spend the day meeting some of the guests who visit the zoo each day; and our Education volunteers may spend the day with our aspiring zoo keepers on the Zoo Keeper for a Day school holiday program!

Our volunteer program is not designed to prepare people to enter the Zoo as employees, but rather is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what the industry is like. By completing the volunteer program there is no guarantee of employment at the end of your placement.

On your first day you are required to supply a security deposit of $50 for your volunteer uniform shirt. This will be returned to you on your last day when you return the shirt.

Volunteers are responsible for their own food, accommodation and transport for the duration of their placement.

Australia Zoo is not able to offer accommodation to volunteers. The Australia Zoo Volunteer Application Pack contains details of accommodation found within the local area. Please note that volunteers are responsible for their own transport to and from the zoo and, due to Australia Zoo’s rural location, public transportation is limited.

Volunteers are able to bring their own food and drink to the zoo (fridge, kettle and microwave facilities are provided), or take advantage of our staff/volunteer discounts at our Food and Beverage outlets.

So that they are identifiable to our guests and our animals, volunteers are required to wear an Australia Zoo Volunteer shirt and hat.  The shirt remains the property of Australia Zoo and a $50 cash security deposit will be collected on your first day.

This deposit will be refunded, when you return your shirt on your last day.  It is important to remember a change of clothes for your last day. The hat is a gift from us.

Further information on our dress code will be provided in your placement confirmation email.

Download the Australia Zoo Volunteer Application Pack, which will answer many of the questions you may have. If you have more, don’t hesitate to ask our friendly and experienced volunteer team, as we’re here to help.