Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are valued partners of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, contributing their time, skills, and passion to support our purpose and foster conservation connections with the community of visitors, members and donors that support our vision. Volunteers at the zoo make meaningful impacts in every part of our organization by sharing their time and heart with us, bringing their smiles, talents, and passion to everything they do.
Volunteers generously donate over 60,000 hours every year.
60,000 hours annually
Volunteers help us create a future where people and wildlife thrive, together.
Where people and wildlife thrive, together
Volunteering at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Adult (18+)
Adult volunteers start their journey by applying to our general volunteer program. Volunteering at the zoo is primarily focused on visitor engagement, special events and conservation education roles, with a wide variety of daily and special event volunteer opportunities available. The zoo is a dynamic place to volunteer, and you never know what new opportunity might pop up – we require a minimum commitment of 50 volunteer hours per year.
Once established as a volunteer, advanced volunteer opportunities become available for application; pending eligibility criteria are met.
Junior Zoo Guides
Youth volunteers from ages 14 to 17 years old, commit one-year of volunteer time working at the zoo.
From the end of June – September, Junior Zoo Guides commit 60 hours volunteering in the summer. From September – Easter weekend, Junior Zoo Guides commit 20 hours volunteering for special events.
Youth volunteers support areas such as visitor engagement, summer camps, ZOOLIGHTS, and Easter Eggstravaganza.
Fill out an online application. All applicants will receive an email letting them know the outcome of their application.
1. Submit Online Application
If accepted, the volunteer applicant will be contacted to attend a group interview.
2. Group Interview
If accepted after the group interview, the volunteer applicant will be asked to attend a group orientation & training session.
3. Group Orientation
Once orientation is completed, you will be provided online training and a one-on-one familiarization with a Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo staff member and complete specific trainings as required.
4. Complete Trainings
The first 20 hours of your volunteer time with us is probation. This allows you to try out and shadow a number of different opportunities across the zoo while being supported by an experienced volunteer.
4. 20-hour Probation
What You Need To Know Before You Apply
Volunteer Requirements
Adult Volunteers must complete at minimum 50 hours per calendar year to remain an active volunteer.
Junior Zoo Guides must complete 60 summer hours plus 20 Special Event hours.
Annual Commitment
We do not offer one-time or short-term roles.
Flexible Scheduling
A wide range of shifts are available throughout the year, making it easier to meet your hour requirement.
Volunteer Roles & Opportunities
All volunteers begin in our general program, which focuses on Visitor Engagement, Special Events, and Conservation Education. These roles are strongly focused on engaging with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Advanced Roles
Positions in Animal Care, Health & Welfare, Horticulture, and Conservation & Science are offered as needed and filled by our pool of active volunteers (ages 18+) who:
- Complete a 20-hour probation in general roles.
- Demonstrate an active and consistent commitment to volunteering while waiting for openings in advanced roles.
Important Note: Volunteers do not handle or interact directly with animals.
Application & Support
Volunteer Software
Applications and scheduling are managed through Better Impact, our volunteer management platform.
Support Available
We understand that not everyone may have regular access to technology or feel confident using online tools. To support you, we can offer guidance on:
- Accessing public library computers with Internet access.
- Learning to navigate the volunteer software.
Application Periods
We accept a limited number of volunteers each year. Application opening dates can be found on Better Impact and are announced on our social media channels when they open each year. If not accepted, you’re welcome to reapply during the next intake.
Contact
For assistance at any stage of the volunteer application process, email volunteer@calgaryzoo.com
Volunteer Environment
Outdoor Work
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility, so volunteers must be comfortable working in varied weather conditions.
Inclusivity
We value diversity and inclusion and strive to maintain a barrier-free environment for all volunteers.