Nonprofit
Philadelphia Zoo Volunteer Programs
The Philadelphia Zoo runs several volunteer programs, from docent training to shifts at special events and internships in animal care and conservation education.
- Free
- Ages 13 and up
- Clearances needed
- Background check
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What they do
Train as a docent to lead visitor tours (21 and up, with about 50 service hours a year), work shifts at special events (13 and up for family events), join the teen Volun-TEENS program (14 to 17), or take a college internship.
Who it is for
- Who can join
- Open to anyone
- Ages
- Ages 13 and up
- Who is there
- Teens, Young adults, Adults of any age
When and where
Docent training runs over nine months in three modules, with new classes starting in spring, summer and January. Special event shifts run in the morning, afternoon or all day. Animal care and conservation interns work one to three days a week, depending on the term.
- Times
- Morning, Daytime, Evening
Philadelphia Zoo
We do not have a meeting place for this group yet.
Your first visit
Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.
First step: Submit the online application for the program you want (docent, special events, Volun-TEENS or internship), then wait for the email that schedules your interview..
Check with the group before you show up. You need to sign up first.
What to expect
After the interview you finish paperwork, a PA criminal background check and a child abuse clearance, plus fingerprinting if you lived outside Pennsylvania in the past 10 years. Next comes online orientation and onsite training that includes a zoo tour, and then you sign up for shifts. Most volunteer roles ask for a one year commitment.
Tips for your first visit
- Apply for a program that fits your age: docents are 21 and up, Volun-TEENS are 14 to 17, and special events take 13 and up for family events.
- Plan for paperwork before your first shift, since shifts open only after you are cleared.
- Ask the zoo about the background check for special events, because the page gives two different answers.
- Most programs ask for a one year commitment, so decide before you apply.
Newcomer welcome
Takes some effort for newcomers (2 out of 5). Why we say this: Every program needs an online application, an interview, clearances and training before the first shift..
Cost and commitment
- Cost
- Free. Volunteering is unpaid, and the page lists no application fee. Volunteers get free admission and parking, plus food and gift shop discounts. Volunteers show proof of COVID vaccination or pay for weekly testing, per the page.
- How often
- An ongoing role
Access and languages
- Wheelchair access
- We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
- Languages spoken
- We do not know yet which languages are spoken.
Requirements
Pennsylvania child clearances
This group works with children. Pennsylvania law says adults who volunteer with children need clearances. The usual ones are a child abuse history check and a State Police criminal record check. Some people also need an FBI fingerprint check. Ask the group which ones you need and how to get them. For unpaid volunteers, the clearances last five years.
- This group asks for a background check.
What to bring or wear: Volunteers receive a free uniform shirt and ID badge.
How to reach them
We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.
- Website: philadelphiazoo.org Listed in the sources below
Sources and last check
Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.
- Last seen active
- September 2026 (See the evidence)
- Last checked by our team
- October 8, 2026
- Status
- Active
- Our confidence in this listing
- High
- philadelphiazoo.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Summary, What they do, Schedule, Requirements, First step, Status, Cost
- philadelphiazoo.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: What they do, Audience, Requirements, Cost, Schedule, First step, Gear
- philadelphiazoo.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Summary, What they do, Audience, Schedule, Commitment, First step, Status, Last sign of life
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