Group Volunteer Opportunities

Now accepting applications for our 2024 season!

If your organization is looking for a “wild” way to spend a day of community service, look no further. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium can host volunteer groups on Tuesdays-Thursdays, on select dates April-October. Groups will work with Zoo Staff members from our Horticulture or Grounds Departments to assist with tasks such as seasonal planting, weeding, mulching, or helping to prepare for upcoming Special Events. You may work hard, but you will also have fun and help to keep our Zoo beautiful!

All group participants must be at least 18 years of age. The maximum group size is 20. Most group volunteer opportunities take place outside, rain or shine, and can require walking, bending, lifting, and carrying. Please see the application form below for more information, and available dates, and to submit a request to begin scheduling your day of volunteering. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager at volunteer@pittsburghzoo.org. Thank you for supporting the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium!

APPLY HERE

Docents

We will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Docent Class in December 2023. Be sure to check back!

Docents are trained volunteers, who make a valuable contribution to our mission here at the Zoo!  The Docent program is for adults aged 18 and older, who can commit to volunteering for a minimum of 60 hours per year.

Docent Activities include:

• Exhibit Guiding and Guest Engagement
• Guest education opportunities such as Touch Tables
• Presentation of Ambassador Animals at birthday parties, weddings, and other special events
• Assisting with the Zoo’s Conservation Education programs
• Assisting with husbandry-related tasks such as Ambassador Animal care and penguin feedings
• Helping to lead the Zoo Teen program

If you are interested in participating in please submit an online application between December 2023 and February 2024.  All prospective Docents must attend an orientation and will be interviewed prior to acceptance in the program.  The New Docent class series will take place on Saturdays in the Spring of 2024.  Orientation and class dates TBD

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at volunteer@pittsburghzoo.org.

Current Docents

If you are a current docent, log in to Volgistics for more information.

Volgistics Log In

Zoo Teens

We will begin accepting applications for the Summer 2024 Zoo Teen Program in December 2023. Be sure to check back!

The summer Zoo Teen Program is for teens ages 14-17, who are interested in animals and conservation.  It is designed to give teens a glimpse into what it is like to work in a zoo setting, as well as teach them the importance of sharing conservation messages.  Zoo Teens volunteer once a week, from 9:30am-4:00 pm for a span of six weeks.

Requirements:

• Must be 14-17 years of age (having turned 14 by June 1, 2024)
• Must commit to one day a week for at least 5 weeks of the 6-week program period

Zoo Teen Activities include:

• Handling and care of Ambassador Animals
• Exhibit Guiding
• Guest education opportunities such as Touch Tables and informal animal presentations
• Assisting with Animal Adventures Zoo Camp
• Educational opportunities such as classes, special tours, and keeper talks.

All prospective Zoo Teens will be interviewed in person prior to acceptance into the program.

The 2024 Zoo Teen Program will run from June 18, 2024 – July 27, 2024.  Dates are subject to change.

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Services Manager at volunteer@pittsburghzoo.org.