Zoo Friends Volunteers

Zoo Friends would like to thank Clearview Retirement Solutions for their sponsorship of our volunteers.

Volunteers provide a number of very important functions at the zoo including education, animal watch and public relations.

In 2006/2007, Zoo Friends Volunteers worked over 65,000 hours, covering a diverse range of activities at both Zoos including tours, Animal Watch and office duties. This represents an estimated $1.83 million based on average employment costs.

To work as a volunteer you must be a financial Zoo Friend and be at least 18 years of age. A reasonable level of fitness is needed for most jobs.

If you are already a member and wish to apply please fill out the Taronga application form or the Taronga Western Plains appliction form.

Training courses for Public Education and Animal Watch volunteers are held on an "as needed" basis. Therefore it is not always possible to take advantage of your willingness immediately.

Volunteer Testimonials

Read all about how our volunteers value the time they've spent lending our friendly community a helping hand

Volunteering at Taronga Zoo is a most rewarding experience due to the interaction foremost with animals but closely followed by interaction with visitors, particularly tourists from overseas and other volunteers with like interests. Perhaps the most enjoyable part is introducing visitors to our unique Australian icons, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. It is a pleasure to regularly visit and work at Taronga Zoo, set in an idyllic environment, amongst Australian flora and overlooking the magnificent harbour. R.Huckin Volunteer since 1998

I really enjoy being a volunteer because I love the interaction with the children, the worldwide visitors and participation with animals. R. Hodgson Volunteer since 1999

My days working in the Zoo Friends office are never dull. By offering a few hours of time, I know that I am contributing to a vibrant, exciting organisation - the major 'supporter' of Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. There’s a lot to do - people join up or renew their membership, others will phone through their enquiries and many other jobs crop up from time to time. I am also able to catch up with the ever-cheerful permanent staff and/or fellow volunteers. And, importantly, there's always a cuppa whenever needed. I. Maynard Volunteer since 1995

Public Education Volunteers

These volunteers work throughout the zoo providing general zoo and animal information to the public. Their tasks are many and varied and include taking tours of the Australian section, advising the public at the information centres, running touchtables and spot guiding.

You need to enjoy working with the public, be prepared to be part of a team and want to learn more about animals.

An orientation day will be run prior to the training course and, if accepted, trainees will be required to attend a full series of courses. These will be run over a period of 8 to 10 weeks (one day a week) and will consist of lectures, workshops, practical work and evaluations. There is an administrative charge for lecture notes.

Once training has been completed there is a three month probationary period. You must be prepared to work one day a fortnight on a regular basis for a period of two years.

Public Education volunteers may also participate in the preparation of behavioural enrichment devices and other Zoo Friends activities.

Animal Watchers

Animal Watchers:

• collect quantitative data to improve husbandry, and also carry out basic behavioural research;
• prepare and evaluate enrichment devices which are used to stimulate natural behaviour;
• collate and analyse data and write reports on results of observation project;
• use questionnaires and observations to provide information on visitor attitudes and reaction to exhibits or graphics.

Animal Watchers need to like their own company, have patience, good concentration, and a methodical mind. They should not be phased by being outdoors in all weathers and at odd times of the day. A flexible schedule is also useful as many watch sessions are arranged at very short notice.

An orientation day plus a two-day course are held to test applicants' powers of observation and introduce them to the data collection methods used. There is a probationary period after training and you must be prepared to take part in the program at least one day a month. At present we are only looking for Animal Watchers on week days.

Office Workers

The office is open 7 days a week. Office volunteers answer the phone and handle visitor enquiries about Zoo Friends membership. They also process new applications, sell merchandise and handle a myriad of other inquiries. You will be required to handle money, credit cards and a computer. Training is given in all aspects of the job.

Office volunteers need to have plenty of patience, like dealing with the public and enjoy administrative work.

Apply Now

If you are interested in being considered for any of the above, please complete the Taronga application form and return it to:

Manager, Education & Volunteers
   Zoo Friends
   PO Box 20 Mosman 2088

   Phone: (02) 9968 2822
   Fax: (02) 9969 7331

or the Taronga Western Plains appliction form and return it to:

The Coordinator
   Zoo Friends Volunteers
   PO Box 2782 Dubbo 2830

Training courses for Public Education and Animal Watch volunteers are held on an "as needed" basis. Therefore it is not always possible to take advantage of your willingness immediately.