Buy Tickets Shop Online Annual Passes
Clock Icon

Open Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm

Bedtime for some of our animals is 4:30pm.

6082_VOLUNTEER_WEBSITE_IMAGE2

Volunteering

Volunteering

Volunteering

Australia Zoo Volunteers are a diverse mix of people who all share passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation. Our volunteers play an important role within the zoo, providing valuable support to our keepers and guests.

Become a Volunteer

Every year hundreds of people, from high school age to retirement, take time out of their busy lives to volunteer at Australia Zoo.  Some are local residents, while others have travelled from interstate or even internationally.

All are motivated individuals who share a common goal and desire to help Australia Zoo meet our commitment of conserving and protecting wildlife and wild places. Their dedication ensures Australia Zoo delivers the greatest level of care to the animals that call Australia Zoo home and assists in delivering the high standards of customer service Australia Zoo is renowned for.

Not only is volunteering a fun and exciting way to spend your free time, you’ll also learn new skills and gain a thorough understanding of what it’s really like to be part of the tourism and animal industries.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate, reliable, friendly, interested in conservation, and enjoy working outdoors, you may be just what we are looking for!

Our volunteer program options include:

  • Animal Keeping
  • Guest Experience
  • High School Work Experience
  • Wildlife Hospital Keeping

 

If you would like to apply, simply complete all sections of the online Australia Zoo Volunteer Program Application form. An I.D. photo, your current resume with references and proof of identification and vaccinations are required for this application. – Online Volunteer Application

 

 

Animal Keeping Volunteers

Our animal keeping volunteers assist with a variety of different husbandry and customer service tasks, including, but not limited to:

  • Habitat cleaning and maintenance – raking, scrubbing, sweeping, mulching, weeding, cob webbing, cleaning ponds, gardening, etc.
  • Assisting with food preparation for a variety of species
  • Preparing and assisting with animal enrichment for a variety of species
  • Animal observations and monitoring
  • Interacting with zoo guests
  • Assisting keepers and gaining an understanding of a zoo keeper’s role

 

 

Guest Experience Volunteers

As a guest experience volunteer, you may find yourself:

  • Welcoming our visitors at the front entrance and assisting them with planning their day
  • Getting our guests into the Australia Zoo spirit and answering any questions they may have
  • Helping visitors locate our shows and facilities
  • Assisting with guided tours
  • Being on hand in some of our open habitats to help guests when needed
  • Providing assistance at our regular promotional events and family activities

 

Australia Zoo's High School Programs

We aim to provide engaging and enjoyable opportunities for school students seeking experience within a structured tourism and zoological based environment.

Our Introduction to Zoo Keeping program is suitable for students aged between 14-17 years of age. The program introduces participants to animal care requirements and considerations in a zoological facility, within a supported and structured environment.

Learn More

Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH) is one of the largest and busiest of its kind in the world and has treated over 100,000 animals since it first opened its doors in 2004.

Volunteers are an important part of our AZWH team and work alongside our experienced keepers, primarily in our koala wards, to assist them with their daily cleaning, maintenance and food preparation duties. Everything our volunteers do helps our hospital operate to the highest standard possible and ensures every animal admitted to the hospital receives the care they deserve.

Volunteer activities at the AZWH relate primarily to husbandry:

  • Habitat cleaning and maintenance
  • Assisting with koala husbandry and leaf replacement 
  • General grounds maintenance
  • Some inside duties including laundry, kitchen duties, etc.

Please be advised that volunteers will not have any direct physical contact nor clinical medical interaction with our patients due to strict safety guidelines (as all of our patients are wild). Volunteer opportunities and roles will be discussed further at your interview.

So if you’re 18 years of age or older, passionate, confident and hardworking, volunteering with us at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital may be for you!

To apply to be a volunteer, please visit the Wildlife Warriors volunteer page here.

For more information or if you would like to contribute to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au

FAQ

  • Who can apply to be a volunteer?

      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.

  • Can I apply if I live overseas?

      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.

  • How do I become a volunteer?

      If you are interested in applying to our volunteering program please fill out an online application 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.

  • When can I volunteer?

      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.

  • How long can I volunteer for?

      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.

  • Where will I be volunteering?

      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.

  • What will I do as a volunteer?

      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!

  • Will joining the Volunteer Program lead to employment?

      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.

  • Does it cost anything to join the Volunteer Program?

      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.

  • Does Australia Zoo provide accommodation for volunteers?

      Australia Zoo is not able to offer accommodation to volunteers. Please refer to the ‘Where to Stay’ section on our website here, which 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.

  • What do volunteers wear?

      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.

  • Have any further questions?

      If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and experienced volunteer team via the email volunteers@australiazoo.com.au.

Ready to plan your adventure?

Visit the Zoo