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If you have any questions regarding volunteer opportunities at the Zoo, please email the Education Department.


18 yrs of Age or Older

Disney's Give a Day, Get a Day Volunteer Program

DOCENT (Volunteer Educator)
Become a Docent and be an ambassador for our natural world. Docents have fun interacting with the public and delivering the conservation messages of the Zoo through several avenues:

  • Formal presentations
  • Guided tours
  • Live animal encounters
  • Hands-on Discovery Kits

    Docent Training TBA. Apply Today!

    Training:
    You do not need any prior experience to be a Docent. Everything you need to know will be presented in an eight-week training course (class meets once a week) and in follow-up continuing education classes. An adult application form and interview must be completed prior to training.

    Registration:
    There is a one-time registration fee of $80 for Zoo members and $95 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of your uniform, badge, manuals, animal reference book and 40 hours of training.

    Requirements
    (1) 18 years of age or older, (2) Completion of application form and interview, (3) Commitment to the mission and values of the Santa Barbara Zoo.

    Benefits:
    Docents enjoy social events, continuing education classes, a quarterly newsletter, membership benefits, discounts throughout the Zoo, as well as a feeling of fulfillment knowing that they are making a difference towards the future of our natural world.


    SPECIAL EVENTS VOLUNTEERS
    The Santa Barbara Zoo hosts special events for the public and its distinct members on a monthly basis. These special events require the help of individuals with a wide-range of interests and talents including: Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Ticket Takers, Musicians, Construction, Event set-up and clean-up, and much more. This is an opportunity to work on a flexible schedule and contribute to a worthy cause. Special event volunteer opportunities include:

    • Zoo-to-Do (April)
    • El Dia del Nino (April)
    • Members Night (May)
    • Wonders of Water Campaign (June)
    • Dignitarios (August)
    • Zoofari Ball (August)
    • Zoo-B-Que (September)
    • Boo-at-the-Zoo (September & October)
    • … and much, much more…

    Special Events volunteers can start any time.


    ANIMAL CARE AIDE
    Animal Care Aides are essential to the functioning of our Zoo, providing assistance to our zoo keepers with the overall care of our animals and exhibits:

    • Assist with cleaning and maintenance of animal holding areas and exhibits
    • Assist with preparation of diets
    • Assist with animal observations and data collection
    • Work as part of a team and accomplish tasks on time meeting high standards for quality
    • Represent the Zoo in a professional manner

    Animal Care Aide training TBA. Apply Today!

    Training:
    You do not need any prior experience to be an Animal Care Aide. Everything you will need to know will be presented in a two-week training course and in follow-up continuing education classes. An adult application form and an interview must be completed prior to training.

    Registration:
    There is a one-time registration fee of $50 for Zoo members and $65 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of your uniform, badge, and training manual.

    Requirements:
    (1) 18 years of age or older, (2) Completion of application form and interview, (3) Successful completion of training, (4) Ability to perform tasks that require extensive lifting, carrying, standing, and other physically-demanding activities, (5) Documentation of negative TB test on an annual basis, (6) Commitment to the mission and values of the Santa Barbara Zoo.

    Benefits:
    Animal Care Aides enjoy social events, membership benefits, discounts throughout the Zoo, as well as a feeling of fulfillment knowing that they are making a difference towards the future of our natural world.


    CLERICAL VOLUNTEERS
    If you have filing or computer skills, or just a great attitude, we can use your help in our offices. Your weekly or monthly commitment will greatly benefit the Santa Barbara Zoo. Work behind the scenes by maintaining files and databases, assisting with mailings, photocopying, and other office-related tasks. This is a flexible opportunity that will allow you to work with a variety of departments.

    Clerical volunteers can start any time.


    GROUNDS BEAUTIFICATION VOLUNTEERS
    Would you love working outdoors at our beautiful Zoo? Beautification volunteers keep our Zoo looking good! These volunteers work an open and flexible schedule, assisting our grounds and maintenance staff with various needs on Zoo grounds. Typical duties include: weeding, cleaning of graphics and tables, and caring for our wide assortment of plants and trees.

    Grounds beautification volunteers can start any time.


    DISNEY'S GIVE A DAY, GET A DAY PROGRAM
    Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Santa Barbara Zoo for Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Day program! The Santa Barbara Zoo will host several volunteer events for the Give a Day, Get a Day program in 2010. We are currently in the process of setting our volunteer schedule for the year. Please be aware that, at this time, we do not accept children under the age of 13 for these volunteer experiences.

    Please check back on the Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Day website for more information on the program, and check back with us for future dates.

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