Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, we do not take volunteers in animal departments due to liability concerns. You can, however, become a Docent or Summer Docent and help educate our public on our animal collection, their care and conservation.

What is the fee for?

The fee pays for your volunteer shirt, name badge, parking pass, training materials, update materials and a background check. The fee does not cover all our expenses, it just helps to offset them and provide you with more resources to use while volunteering.

Do you have something on a shorter time frame than the year-round programs?

Our programs are designed to use sustained groups of volunteers and we invest substantial training in our volunteers. Most of our events are during the peak season between May and September. Our Summer Docent, Guest Guide and Special Events programs are great options for someone who wants to volunteer on their own schedule, as long as the minimum requirement for hours is met for the volunteer program.

I want an internship at the Kansas City Zoo. Who do I contact?

Our internships are handled through the employment link on our website, and those positions are posted on that link. The Kansas City Zoo takes a limited number of interns each year, and each position is very selective. If you are interested, please visit the employment link for more information. Some 0f our internships are paid positions and others are not.

My company wants to volunteer at the Zoo. Do you have anything for us?

If your company can provide the materials to be used for the volunteer project, please contact the volunteer coordinator to discuss your specific needs.

What age to I have to be to volunteer? What can I do without my parents?

Youth ages 14-17 years old can volunteer for Team Habitat/ZooScaper or Special Events with their parents that are volunteers in the same program. Youth 10 and over can volunteer for our Roots and Shoots program with a parent, and also our October Special Events with a parent.

Can I get volunteer credit for my school by volunteering at the Zoo?

That’s up to your school, but we can sign off on the appropriate documentation provided by the volunteer after the community service has been completed. I need to do court appointed community service. What do you have available?

Can we take court appointed community service volunteers?

No, we are not able to accomodate this request currently.

I sent in my application. What should I expect?

You will receive a call or email within two weeks of receipt of your application. The volunteer coordinator will be available to discuss your choices, give you more information if you need it and set up a timeframe for you to attend orientation.

What if I have other questions that aren’t answered here?