The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Volunteer Program is a year-round opportunity for students passionate about wildlife, conservation, and environmental education. Volunteers choose from several pathways, including supporting guest engagement as a Core Volunteer, working with children and animals as a Docent Volunteer, or assisting directly with animal care as a Keeper/Animal Care Volunteer. Each pathway includes required training and hands-on experience working with visitors of all ages to create meaningful educational connections to nature. It is an exceptional way for students to build real-world skills in animal care and conservation while contributing to one of Los Angeles's most beloved cultural institutions.
Delivering ideas clearly and confidently in front of an audience.
Fully focusing on and understanding what someone else is communicating.
Guiding a group toward a shared goal and keeping everyone moving together.
Understanding and respectfully engaging with people from different backgrounds.
Guiding and supporting someone else as they learn or grow in a skill.
Breaking down a challenge and working through it methodically to a solution.
Volunteers work directly with animals in care, gaining hands-on experience with animal behavior and welfare.
Core volunteer and keeper roles involve learning about animal species, conservation, and habitat management.
Botanical gardens work and wildlife conservation missions connect to environmental protection and ecosystem understanding.
Volunteers engage in community service and mission-driven work similar to nonprofit program operations.
Docent volunteers educate visitors of all ages about animals and nature, developing teaching and communication skills.
Community Experiences
Loading...