"We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."
~Winston Churchill
Above all else, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is dedicated to the preservation of the Earth's natural resources. We are proud to invite members of the community that share our passion to join our team as a volunteer. Whether you are interested in plants, animals or people, we’ve got a job for you!
For specific questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (405) 425-0275 or mkesler@okczoo.com.
Animal Area Volunteers
Assist our Zoo Keepers with their animal husbandry duties. Work behind the scenes to help clean, and maintain our animal exhibits and enrich the lives of our animal residents. A perfect fit for those looking to get experience in the field of zoology. Please note there is no unauthorized contact with animals!
View the Animal Area Volunteer job description.
2012 Recruitment
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Animal Area recruitment is Feb. 4, May 5, Aug 4 and Oct 6.
- Orientation and paperwork begins at 10 am in the Rosser Conservation Education Center, immediately followed by staff interviews.
Educate the public about our award-winning plant and animal collection. Work on zoo grounds and in the Education Center with a variety of props and biofacts. All Education volunteers start out as Zoo Ambassadors, but may participate in additional training to become an Education Interpreter after 6 months.
View the Ambassador and Interpreter job descriptions
2012 Recruitment
Must be 18 years or older.
Education recruitment is Feb 4.
Orientation and paperwork begins at 10 am in the Rosser Conservation Education Center, immediately followed by staff interviews.
Group Volunteers
The Oklahoma City Zoo depends on volunteers for assistance in many areas of the Zoo.
Our Corporate Volunteer Program offers groups of corporate volunteers the opportunity to participate in the hands-on work of keeping our Zoo in top form. Volunteers may assist staff with a variety of different types of designated projects designed to be enjoyable and fulfilling; giving you and your employees a sense of ownership in the Zoo.
View the Group Volunteer job description.
Horticulture Volunteers
Use your green thumb to help our Horticulture team maintain our accredited Botanical Garden. Learn from our garden masters as they care for our 110 acres, including an onsite green house.
View the Horticulture Volunteer job description.
2012 Recruitment
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Horticulture recruitment is Feb. 4, May 5, Aug 4 and Oct 6.
- Orientation and paperwork begins at 10 am in the Rosser Conservation Education Center, immediately followed by staff interviews.
Special Event Volunteers
Don’t have a lot of time? Join us for a Special Event! Work with our staff and dedicated volunteers to help share our message.
In October, we celebrate Haunt the Zoo for Halloween and looking for energetic volunteers for this “spook”tacular event in the evenings from October 26th thru the 31st. All other events take place on weekends during the spring.
View the Special Event job description.
Interested in what goes on behind the scenes at the Zoo? We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic teens to join our programs. Selected teens volunteer with keepers and staff to see what it takes to run the zoo and inspire the next generation.
View Job Shadow program details.
View Junior Curator program details.
2012 JC Recruitement
- Must between 14 and 18 years of age.
- Attend an open house meeting on May 3 or June 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Rosser Conservation Education Center.
- Applications will be available May 15 – June 15 on this webpage
- Complete and return an application by the June 15th deadline.
- Attend the mandatory group interview.
- Attend a mandatory individual interview.
- Notifications will be mailed to applicants in August.
- Students accepted into the Junior Curator program begin in September.
Community Service Volunteers
If you seek to fulfill court-appointed community service hours, please contact Zoo Security at (405) 425-0291.
We have had several requests for internships. Unfortunately, we do not have a program in place at this time, but are working to develop one. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (405) 425-0275.