VOLUNTEER AT THE STATEN ISLAND ZOO

Complete an application and be interviewed on the spot for a number of volunteer positions.  Entrance to the zoo is free for the volunteer applicant – any accompanying guests must pay admission.  You can save time by downloading and printing out an application from the buttons below:




Positions are available for:

  • Animal husbandry in our Children’s Center (age 16+)
  • Special Events Crew (age 14+)
  • Animal Nutrition (age 18+)

Please note that attending Recruitment Day does not guarantee a volunteer position.


Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Staten Island Zoo! Click on the links to learn more about different types of volunteerism.

Volunteers Help in several aspects of the zoo:

  • Children’s Center (Animal Care) Volunteers
  • Zoofari Volunteers
  • Special Events Crew
  • Commissary (Food Preparation)
  • Spooktacular (starting August every year)

Hourly requirements depend on placement.

Interns Must be currently or recently in college.

Interns are required to work 2 full days/week (16 hours).  College credit can be received depending on the school.

Docents & Jr.  Docents Docents and Jr. Docents take a ten week course, learn about animals, conservation, and zoo history.

Adults and teens 14+ learn public speaking skills and how to present animals to the public.

At this time, the Staten Island Zoo does not have the capacity for group volunteer opportunities.

All of our volunteers are trained and supervised by zoo staff.  There are limited spaces available. Volunteers must be capable of working independently and as part of a team.

Staten Island Zoo volunteers are subject to a thorough background check.  The Staten Island Zoo reserves the right to alter the volunteer program or its contents in any way without prior notice.  Staten Island Zoo volunteer positions may be terminated at any time per the discretion of the Zoo and without notice.

The Staten Island Zoo is committed to the principle of equal educational opportunities without the discrimination of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, or presence of a legally protected disability or any other legally protected status.

Unfortunately, because of the high volume of applicants we receive, we aren’t able to give status updates on applications.  Not all applicants will be invited to an interview.  Please wait for the Zoo to contact you regarding your potential interview and acceptance into the program.

All applications should be sent to:
Staten Island Zoo Volunteer Coordinator

614 Broadway

Staten Island, NY 10310

Fax: 718-442-8492
E-mail: education@www.statenislandzoo.org
No phone calls please.

Please read our Volunteer Guidelines