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Programs

JOIN OUR PRIDE TODAY!

Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation offer many opportunities for you to volunteer your time. We invite you to explore our programs below and consider joining us in our mission to share the wonder of wildlife and help conserve it for generations to come!

Volunteers Laughing

Please note, although you are surrounded by animals while volunteering at the zoo, our opportunities are not animal contact focused. Please see our Internship Programs in Animal Care. 

Adult Volunteer Program

Adult Volunteer Program

Adult Volunteers at Everglades National Park

Adult volunteers are the Pride of Zoo Miami!

If you are looking for a fulfilling way to get involved in your local community, the zoo may be the perfect place for you. Our adult volunteers are at the forefront of guest experience, making meaningful contacts with tens of thousands of people each year.  

Opportunities include assisting our Critter Connection team in the Wacky Barn, helping to prepare animal diets in our zoo kitchen, assisting guests as an Ambassador, and more! 

Benefits include: 

  • Discounts throughout the zoo on food and souvenirs 
  • Free zoo admission for you and 6 others  
  • Volunteer exclusive events including appreciation dinners and field trips  
  • Free and discounted admission to other participating attractions 
  • And more! 

Applicants are required to: 

  1. Be 18 years or older (Check out our teen opportunities starting at 14 years old!) 
  2. Complete an application and attend an informational session at the zoo 
  3. Pass a national background check 
  4. If accepted into the program, attend a two-day orientation and commit to 70 hours of volunteer service per year 

Our program offers room for growth, with a tiered volunteer system designed to educate and challenge you as you spend more time at the zoo. 

We welcome new volunteers weekly, applications will be accepted year round.

This program is sponsored by Zoo Miami Foundation.  Further questions should be directed to volunteer@zoomiami.org 

Adult Guest Experiences Volunteer

Adult Guest Experiences Volunteer

Work assignments involve working closely with zoo staff in providing customer service at the zoo admissions and revenue concession operations. Various tasks include providing information and direction to the guests, validation of tickets, assisting in preparing equipment for rental, assisting at the monorail stations, assist in crowd control and other related duties to include day or night special events.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. resident
  • Must provide cover letter and resume
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must interview, complete application and submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Interested applicants must register and apply on Park Link. 

Adult Maintenance and Horticulture Volunteer

Adult Maintenance and Horticulture Volunteer

Participate in maintenance and horticultural projects.  Various tasks include ground maintenance, painting, landscaping projects, pruning, trimming, planting, fertilizing, mulching and other related tasks.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. resident
  • Must provide cover letter and resume
  • Must have good communication skills, written and verbal
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and be in good physical condition
  • Must interview, complete application and submit to background check and fingerprint screening at designated county facility

Interested applicants must register and apply on Park Link. 

Conservation Teen Scientist

CTS Voluteers

The Conservation Teen Scientist program (CTS) is an opportunity for 14-18 year olds to get involved at the zoo and develop practical life skills like public speaking.  

CTS undergo training to develop an extensive knowledge about the animals at the zoo and interpret that information for guests throughout the park. They also get the chance to assist in zoo operations including the kitchen where they prepare animal diets, the giraffe feeding platform, and more!  

The program is a yearly commitment, requiring 15 days of volunteering over the summer and 2 days per month during the school year.   

This is highly competitive and only a certain number of applicants will be accepted each year.   

Applications open here on the website in early spring and are due at the end of April.  

This program is sponsored by Zoo Miami Foundation.  Further questions should be directed to volunteer@zoomiami.org 

Sponsored by:

Peacock Foundation Logo           Anthony Abraham Foundation Logo        The Wildflower Foundation, Inc.

 

Teen Camp Volunteer

Teen Camp Volunteer

Teen Volunteers

Teen Camp Volunteers spend 3 weeks during the summer assisting our counselors to ensure zoo campers have a memorable and fun experience! 

The program is a great way for 14–18 year olds to fulfill their service hours while being surrounded by the over 3,000 animals that call Zoo Miami home 

Applications open here on the website in early spring and are due at the end of April. 

This program is sponsored by Zoo Miami Foundation.  Further questions should be directed to volunteer@zoomiami.org 

Next enrollment period opens spring 2023

 

Teen Academic Volunteers

Teen Academic Volunteers

Great news! We are opening up our Teen Academic Volunteer program at a limited capacity by reservation only. Teen academic volunteers will have assignments that involve working closely with zoo staff in providing customer service at the revenue concession operations. Various tasks include providing information and directions, assisting in preparing equipment for rentals and assisting with crowd control.

Interested in joining our Teen Academic Volunteer Program? Email ZMVolunteers@miamidade.gov for the next orientation date and additional information.

Any questions and/or to make your reservation should be directed to the zoo front desk at (305) 251-0400.

Volunteer Groups

Group Volunteer Program

 

We also welcome volunteers from companies, scout troops, fraternities, and other community groups to assist with one-time projects and events around the Zoo Miami. These projects provide an invaluable service to the Zoo while also providing a wonderful opportunity for groups to spend quality time together. We can tailor a program of activities that is right for your group.

Please contact ZMVolunteers@miamidade.gov or 305-251-0400 to make arrangements.

Become a Member

Enjoy free admission, exclusive events and deals throughout the year, discounts inside the Zoo and more! Plus, your membership helps support our mission in conservation and education, making your Zoo better for you.
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