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!
Volunteer Areas of Service
Education
Animal Care
Volunteers assist keepers in routine daily care for our resident animals. Volunteer duties include preparation of diets, cleaning backstage areas, feeding animals, washing dishes, and similar activities related to animal care. This area of service is available after completing the prerequisites of a minimum of 25 hours and 6 months. Valid to only Adult Volunteers.
Guests Relations
Volunteer assist in initiating interactions with guests of varying ages. Assignments include Kangaroo Kickabout, Critter Encounter, and Guest Relations Ambassador just to name a few. Volunteer assignments in this area focus on greeting guests, providing information about memberships, paid attractions, and special events. Volunteers also provide information about food & retail outlets, picnic areas, wheelchair, and stroller rentals, where to obtain medical assistance, and offer suggestions to maximize their time to make the most of their visit. All Adult and Family Team volunteer start in assignments in this area of service.
Conservation Research
Volunteers contribute to scientific research at the Nashville Zoo. Through observing and recording behavioral data on the Zoo’s animals, volunteers provide critical information to our animal care teams that help shape management plans. Volunteers closely observe predetermined animals and record behaviors using a handheld tablet. Through working with curatorial and animal staff, volunteers get an inside look into animal management and directly contribute to improving the lives of animals. This research is part of our overall goal to continuously assess and enhance the welfare of our animals. This area of service is available after completing training offered at the start of every project to Adult and Family Team Volunteers.
Events
Engage with the Zoo visitors and community members during one of Nashville Zoo's unique events! Feel good knowing you are inspiring others and supporting our commitment to save wildlife. Please note: Age restrictions may apply. Volunteer duties will vary depending on the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do volunteers need a science background to volunteer at the Zoo?
No, simply an interest in animals, education and conservation or a desire to learn more about protecting the natural environment. Each position requires a different set of skills and experience. All new volunteers are required to attend our Expectation NZ Volunteer 101 Orientation.
What is the volunteer commitment?
Volunteers are asked to commit to 25 hours within their first 6 months of volunteering, then after that volunteers are asked to complete 50 hours in a calendar year. Docents (education volunteers) are asked to commit to 80 hours a year. ZooTeens have a specific commit outlined in the FAQ located under the ZooTeens section.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Do you offer volunteer opportunities for court order community service?
No, we do not offer service hours for court-ordered volunteering.
Do you provide shadow opportunities?
No, at this time we do not offer job shadowing opportunities.
Will I be able to touch/work the animals?
The animals in our collection are wild, and keeping animals and people separate is important for everyone’s safety. Some assignments/areas of the zoo do have contact with animals like Kangaroo Kickabout and Critter Encounter but opportunities to have contact with animals are limited to certain assignments. Animal Care Volunteering is an option however it is limited to openings and the completion of prerequisites.