Teenagers are gathered around a zoo volunteer who is showing them a replica skull of a tiger.
Volunteer With the Zoo

Volunteer Opportunities

Support Conservation While Giving Back

Volunteers are a vital part of everything we do at the Indianapolis Zoo. Whether you’re an adult, a teen, or part of a group, there’s a place for you in one of our three volunteer programs, all managed by our Volunteer Services Department. With over 1,000 volunteers contributing more than 45,000 hours of service each year, our team plays a key role in helping us fulfill our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

Ready to make a difference? Explore the volunteer opportunities below and find the one that’s right for you!

Please note: Although volunteers are surrounded by animals during their time at the zoo, these roles do not involve direct contact with them.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a fun and meaningful way for your company or organization to give back? Join us at the Indianapolis Zoo and support wildlife conservation through hands-on group volunteer projects. These opportunities are perfect for teams looking to make a difference while engaging in impactful community service.

Most group projects involve creating enrichment items for our animals using paper products and other safe materials. Enrichment is an essential part of animal care—it encourages natural behaviors, provides mental and physical stimulation, and supports the overall well-being of the animals in our care.

Who can join?

Corporate and college groups with participants ages 16 and older are welcome to volunteer at the Zoo. Group sizes typically range from 8 to 30 participants. If your group is larger than 30, please note this on your project request form, and we’ll be happy to discuss potential options.

When are opportunities available?

Group opportunities are scheduled throughout the calendar year. Opportunities are limited and scheduled in 2-3 hour periods, usually in the morning beginning at 9:00am.

Presented by Corteva

Zoo Teens (Ages 13-17)

The Zoo Teen Program is for teens ages 13-17 who are passionate about animals, conservation, and making a difference. As a Zoo Teen, you’ll gain hands-on experience, expand your knowledge of wildlife and conservation, and develop valuable leadership and communication skills.

Applications for the 2026 program year open October 1st.

 

Adult Volunteers

Volunteers are an integral part of the Zoo, helping to enhance daily operations and ensure a smooth, engaging experience for all who visit. By sharing your time and skills, you play a key role in supporting vital conservation initiatives and helping maintain a thriving environment for guests and wildlife.

Our adult volunteer program offers a range of roles throughout the year, depending on departmental needs and seasonal availability. Eligibility requirements apply, and all current opportunities will be listed on this page. If you have a specific area of interest, we encourage you to check back frequently for updates.

Please note: While volunteering brings you into close proximity with animals, these positions do not involve direct interaction or handling. Those seeking hands-on animal care experience are encouraged to explore our Animal Care Internship Programs.

We appreciate your interest and hope to welcome you as part of our dedicated volunteer team!

Adult Volunteers Must Meet the Following Requirements
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Commit to a minimum of 6 months of volunteering.
  • Complete all steps outlined in the “How to Become a Volunteer” section—no exceptions.
  • Undergo a criminal background check.
  • Be passionate about conservation and committed to supporting wildlife and habitat preservation.
  • Be able to receive important communications via email and create an online Adult Volunteer profile (used to update personal information and track service hours).
  • Be prepared to purchase a Zoo volunteer uniform shirt ($30) upon acceptance.
  • Be willing to follow all Zoo policies, procedures, appearance guidelines, and customer service expectations.
  • Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and a positive attitude.
  • Be able to perform volunteer duties in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
How to Become a Volunteer
    • Submit a Better Impact application.
    • Complete virtual Volunteer Program Introduction module on Better Impact.
    • Schedule and conduct 20-minute Virtual Interview with Volunteer Services staff.
    • If selected, complete required onboarding for Volunteer Area.
      • All Areas: Background Check, Child Protection Policy Training, Kulture City Training
      • Animal Care: TB Test
      • Diving: TB Test, Dive Physical, CPR Certification, Oxygen Administration Certification
    • Attend in-person New Volunteer Orientation.
    • Volunteer at the Zoo!
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
**We are not accepting new adult volunteer applications for the areas below at this time. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply!
Animal Care

Animal Care volunteers play a critical role in supporting our keepers with tasks such as exhibit maintenance, diet preparation, and behavioral enrichment. This work directly contributes to the health and well-being of the animals in our care, so reliability is essential—our animals depend on it!

Volunteers may be placed in one of several areas, including Deserts, Encounters, Marine Mammals, Plains, Primates, or Oceans. These positions follow a consistent, every-other-week schedule, with shifts typically starting as early as 7 a.m. and concluding by noon. A minimum commitment of one year is required.

Animal Care roles are physically demanding and take place in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, in all weather conditions. Tasks may include lifting, stooping, crouching, reaching, climbing ladders, and pushing or pulling equipment. Volunteers must be able to lift 20-50 lbs. depending on assigned area and maintain balance while performing these activities.

Special Events

Our signature events—Zoobilation, ZooBoo, Christmas at the Zoo, Elegant Vintage’s Wine Auction, Brewfari, xZooberance and the Indianapolis Prize—rely heavily on the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of volunteers.

As a Special Event volunteer, you may be asked to assist with a variety of tasks, including greeting and engaging guests, staffing activity stations, and supporting behind-the-scenes operations. Roles vary based on the needs of each event and may involve working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Flexibility and a positive attitude are essential.

Volunteers must be able to stand or walk for extended periods and be comfortable in high-energy environments. Some roles may require light lifting or mobility throughout Zoo grounds. Flexible scheduling is often available, especially during seasonal festivals such as ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo.

Wild Ambassadors

Wild Ambassadors play an important role in inspiring Zoo guests by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and conservation. These volunteers provide informal, on-grounds interpretation using storytelling, artifacts, and interactive activities to engage guests of all ages and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

They enhance the guest experience by sharing compelling stories, communicating conservation messages, answering visitor questions, assisting with seating during Orangutan Learning Demonstrations, and helping maintain public spaces in designated areas. Wild Ambassadors also help guests connect more deeply with exhibits through animal artifacts, hands-on activities, and engaging conversation.

Volunteers in this role must be comfortable interacting with the public, supporting Zoo policies, and remaining in a single location for extended periods. Assignments may take place indoors or outdoors, depending on Zoo needs and event schedules.

Education

Volunteers in this role support education programs by assisting instructors with setting up and cleaning up materials, helping manage activities, and guiding children and their guardians through scheduled program areas. They provide hands-on assistance during activities, offer general support to instructors, and ensure a smooth, engaging experience for participants. Volunteers use Zoo-provided radios to communicate effectively with staff and fellow volunteers and may be assigned additional duties as needed by the Education team.

Diving

Join the Indianapolis Zoo’s dedicated team of volunteer SCUBA divers and make a splash behind the scenes! As a certified diver (PADI, NAUI, SSI, YMCA, or military equivalent), you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the health and cleanliness of our aquatic exhibits, including Oceans and Marine Mammals.

Duties include preparing and maintaining dive gear, cleaning exhibits underwater, assisting with maintenance and repairs, and logging each dive. Divers are also a key part of animal care, observing marine life behaviors and reporting anything unusual to keepers.

Horticulture

As a horticulture volunteer, you’ll assist staff in caring for the stunning White River Gardens and other Zoo grounds, ensuring our plants thrive and create a welcoming environment for guests.

Your duties will include routine plant care such as watering, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, planting, mulching, and transplanting, as well as removing dead plant material and debris. You’ll work outdoors in all weather conditions, engaging in activities that may require lifting, crouching, reaching, and climbing.

This role requires a love of nature, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to different tasks and environments. Volunteers should be prepared for contact with various plants (including poison ivy), and be ready to stay hydrated and protected from the elements with a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to interact with the animals?

Adult Animal Care Volunteers and Animal Care Interns may work closely with zookeepers in exhibits and animal holding areas but they do not have direct contact with the animals. Zoo Teen positions are focused on guest services.

Can I volunteer on weekends only?

Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week. A waiting list exists, however, for most weekend positions.

I have the summer off from college, can I volunteer?

Internships are available in the summer semester in both Administrative and Animal Care roles.

Do you offer court-ordered community service work?

The Indianapolis Zoo does not offer court-ordered community service work.

Do you offer one-time volunteer opportunities?

A limited number of one-time volunteer opportunities may be available during events such as ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo. Contact Volunteer Services through the form below or email volunteer@indyzoo.com for more information.

Does the Zoo offer job shadow opportunities?

Due to the overwhelming demand for job-shadowing opportunities each month, the Zoo is unable to accommodate these requests.

Do you offer internships?

Yes, the Zoo has an extensive Internship Program for current college students studying in the United States.

How do I learn more?

For more information, contact Volunteer Services through the form below or email volunteer@indyzoo.com.

Contact Us

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