In the Volunteer section:
Basic Requirements
The Teen Volunteer Program is a Year-Round Program for teens 13 to 18 years old. In order to remain active in the program, Teen Volunteers must meet the following hour requirements:
- School Year Requirements September 1 to April 30 Must be able to offer a minimum of 50 volunteer hours during the school year.
- Summer Requirements
May 1 – August 31
Must be able to offer a minimum of 60 volunteer hours during the summer (not including the Teen Training Day). -
Year-round Program-Volunteers that complete 60 volunteer hours during the summer and are in good standing with the Birmingham Zoo are automatically accepted into the school year program. Volunteers that complete 50 volunteer hours during the school year and are in good standing with the Birmingham Zoo are automatically accepted into the summer program.
Year-round Application Process
- Submit an online application. You must currently be at least 13 years of age to submit an application. No one under 13 years of age may apply.
- After submission, your application will be reviewed. Not every application is accepted.
- If your application is accepted, you will be notified via email confirmation within two weeks from the date that the application was submitted. The confirmation email will explain how to continue forward with the application process, including how to signup for training and when to pay the $45 orientation fee.
The teen applicant must attend one of the following training dates. One of the teen applicant’s parents or legal guardians must attend the first hour and a half of the training.
March 17, 2012, 9am-5pm
April 14, 2012, 9am-5pm
May 5, 2012, 9am-5pm
May 12, 2012, 9am-5pm
June 9, 2012, 9am-5pm
July 14, 2012, 9am-5pm
September 29, 2012, 9am-5pm
Click here for an online application
Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Teen volunteers are not required to choose a category once they begin volunteering. Teen volunteers are welcome to volunteer within as many of the categories listed below as you would like.
Teen Leadership Academy – A select group of teens will be chosen to join this rewarding program. Volunteers within this program will be involved in the supervision of volunteers at major activities such as Summer Camp, Boo at the Zoo, ZooLight Safari, and more. These volunteers will be provided with the opportunity to develop specific managerial skills enabling them to become well prepared for college and the job market. Teens that complete the program may be rewarded with a scholarship and the opportunity to receive college credit through local universities.
Barn Crew – Work side-by-side with zookeepers maintaining exhibits and preparing diets for many of the animals found within the barn in the Children’s Zoo. Barn Crew members may also assist with wildlife shows and other special projects as needed.
Explorer Program - Exploring is Learning for Life’s (a division within the Boy Scouts of America) career education program for young girls and boys. Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Birmingham Zoo Teen Volunteer Explorers have special member only privileges such as quarterly trips that may include activities such as river rafting and unique activities focused on career development.
Zoofari Teen Program – Teen volunteers who have volunteered at least 50 hours with the Zoo, completed a one day Teen Training course, and have proven themselves to be mature, responsible, and reliable, may be chosen as a Zoofari Teen. Zoofari volunteers are often called upon to perform more difficult tasks that may include, supervising other volunteers, assisting animal keepers with special tasks, and more.
Education – Assist with summer and school break camps, year-round classes, animal programs, and much more as you educate and entertain some of the tens of thousands of students who visit the Zoo annually.
Animal Handlers – You will have the opportunity to become a certified handler on animals that may include chinchillas, macaws, armadillos, and even a young alligator. Animal handlers are taught how to use animal knowledge learned through training, and the animals themselves, to provide our visitors with an experience that only the Birmingham Zoo could offer.
Interpretation – From the giraffe feeding experience, to the lorikeet and butterfly aviaries, the Zoo has a number of ways for you to share your love of animals and wildlife conservation with the public. Volunteers also provide guided tours of the areas that house our large cats, primates, and native wildlife. We even have a large collection of biofacts (pelts, skulls, horns, etc.) that are perfect for giving our visitors a unique hands-on experience.
Special Events – Boo at the Zoo, ZooLight Safari, and Party for the Planet are just a few of the incredibly fun special events at the Birmingham Zoo. Volunteers assist with planning, managing, and staffing the many aspects of the special events that occur throughout the year.
