Group Volunteer Opportunities

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-Fridays, 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

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR THE DOCENT PROGRAM

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 our 2023 New Docent training program, please submit an online application form prior to February 1, 2023.  All prospective Docents must attend one of two orientation sessions, which will be held on February 18th and 19th, 2023.  Please see application for more details, requirements to volunteer at the Zoo, and to sign up for an orientation session.

New Docent classes for 2023 will begin on March 18th.

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

The Zoo Teen Program for the Summer of 2023 is FULL.  We cannot accept any more applications.  Please check back in December to apply for the summer of 2024.

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, 2023)
• Must commit to one day a week for at least 5 weeks of the 6-week program period
• Must provide proof of COVID vaccination

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 in March 2023.

The 2023 Zoo Teen Program will run from June 18, 2023 – July 29, 2023.

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