Volunteer at the Zoo

Volunteer

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Volunteers are an integral component of Nashville Zoo.

Volunteers are vital to Nashville Zoo’s success, providing critical support to the Zoo’s mission and staff. Whether you’re available for a day or are looking for a long-term volunteer opportunity – you can make a valuable contribution to the Zoo’s volunteer team!

Please note: Nashville Zoo does not offer court-ordered community service as a volunteer opportunity.

Current Volunteer Login  

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, new volunteer signups are on hold until further notice. We do not anticipate new volunteers returning until Summer 2021 at the earliest. Please check back for updates and email volunteer@nashvillezoo.org with any questions.

One-time Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at the Zoo’s special events or completing a group volunteer project at the Zoo are great ways to give back to the community and support the Zoo’s mission, with no long-term commitment or prior experience necessary.

Groups

Notice: Due to the pandemic, we are not accepting new group volunteers at this time.

Is your company, organization or college group looking for a fun and rewarding service project? Look no further. Opportunities and availability vary based on Zoo needs, but may include special events, event set-up, gardening, landscaping and other projects. There are no opportunities to work with animals.

Occasionally Nashville Zoo will have opportunities for companies, organizations or college groups to volunteer and assist with fun and rewarding service projects. Projects vary based on Zoo needs, but may include special events, event set-up, gardening, landscaping and other projects. There are no opportunities to work with animals.

Current Opportunities
  • Groups of 20 or less - Fill out an interest form for your group to work on a special project at the Zoo. Our Volunteer Manager will reach out to you regarding availability and if applicable, scheduling.
  • Groups of 21 or more - Your group is welcome to volunteer for our special events. Each person in your group should sign up individually and indicate your group name on the sign-up form. 

Special Events

Volunteering at a special event is an easy way to get involved as a Zoo volunteer. Great for groups and individuals with full-time jobs, as most events are held in the evening or on the weekend! There are several opportunities throughout the year, including our popular Easter and Halloween events, as well as adults-only events like Brew at the Zoo.

Current Opportunities
  • Brew at the Zoo on Friday, June 3. Volunteer shift: 5:00 - 11:30 pm. Ages 21+ | Sign up
  • Red, White & Zoo on Friday, July 29, 2022. Volunteer shift: 5:00 - 11:30pm. Ages 21+ | Sign up
  • Boo at the Zoo on select dates in October. Volunteer shift: 4:30 - 9:30 pm. Ages 17+ | Sign up
  • Weed Wrangle on March 7, 2020. Volunteer shift: 9 am - noon. Ages 16+ | Sign up
  • Eggstravaganzoo on Saturday, April 16. Multiple volunteer shifts. Ages 18+ | Sign up
  • Spring Flamingle on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Multiple volunteer shifts. Ages 21+ | Sign up
  • Sunset Safari on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Volunteer shift: 5:00 - 11:30pm. Ages 21+ | Sign up
  • Check back again soon for more volunteer opportunities.

Long-term Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for an exciting and rewarding way to get involved at the Zoo? Our long-term volunteers are some of our most passionate and devoted Zoo supporters – sharing their time and talents with Zoo staff, educating and engaging Zoo guests, and providing invaluable support for the Zoo’s operations.

General Volunteers

Questions about our long-term volunteer opportunities? Contact us at volunteer@nashvillezoo.org.

Family Teams

Youth (age 10-16) volunteer alongside a parent/guardian as a Family Team, assisting with select special events (age requirements vary), interacting with Zoo visitors and helping with other special projects.

Commitment
  • Family Teams are required to volunteer regularly for a minimum of 6 months (at least 25 total hours).
Application Process
  • Fill out a volunteer application to be considered for this program. 
  • If selected, a background check and volunteer orientation are required to become a volunteer.

Adult Volunteer Corps

The Zoo’s Adult Volunteer Corps is comprised of dedicated individuals (age 18+) who volunteer to regularly assist Zoo staff with daily operations, programs, events and special projects throughout the year.

Commitment
  • Adult Volunteer Corps members are required to volunteer regularly for a minimum of 6 months (at least 25 total hours).
Application Process
  • Fill out a volunteer application to be considered for this program. 
  • If selected, a background check and volunteer orientation are required to become a volunteer.

Education Volunteers

Questions about our education volunteer programs? Contact us at volunteer@nashvillezoo.org.

Docents

Docents are a dedicated group of volunteer educators who play a vital role in delivering informal education programs to Zoo visitors about conservation, the environment, Nashville Zoo's history, and our animals.

Commitment

Docents are required to volunteer a minimum of 80 hours each year.

Application Process 

Interested in becoming a Docent? You must first join our Adult Volunteer Corps and complete the prerequisites. Approved applicants will be required to mentor with a Nashville Zoo docent for 6 months. Successful candidates will then be required to attend training classes held in the fall before graduating and becoming a Nashville Zoo docent.

ZooTeens

ZooTeens are young adults (age 13 to high school seniors) who share their passion for animals and conservation with Zoo guests, while gaining valuable volunteer experience. Participation in this program can be used to fulfill Capstone requirements.

Commitment

Summer Break: One shift per week for at least 7 weeks, along with one full week of Zoo Camp.

School Year: Minimum of 4 hours each semester, plus volunteer at at least one special event (Boo at the Zoo, Eggstravaganzoo, etc.)

See Program FAQ

Application Process

Applications close April 1. All applicants should fill out this form and first-year applicants should have two recommendation forms submitted by non-relatives.

Applications will open in February 2022, followed by an interview process.

During the early spring, fill out an application, submit two completed recommendation forms, complete an in-person interview, pay a one-time fee (which includes uniform), and attend all scheduled training sessions.

During the early spring, fill out an application, submit two completed recommendation forms, complete an in-person interview, pay a one-time fee (which includes uniform), and attend all scheduled training sessions.

Special thanks to ZooTeen Presenting Partner: Advance Financial