• You need to be 18 years or over to apply. If you are under 18 please visit our ‘Youth at the Zoo’ page.
• We are a seven day a week operation and need volunteers on all days. Availability of places does depend on our specific needs but we will make every effort to accommodate your nominated days.
• You will need a valid email address to apply. We prefer not to send correspondence via the post for environmental reasons.
• Once accepted, all volunteers commence a six month probation period and undertake performance reviews.
• All volunteers will complete an induction session and be required to undertake further training as required by the position for which they have applied.  

You must attend the recruitment day and time we have scheduled for you. If you are unable to attend, you will need to reapply for the next intake.

Usually interviews will be conducted by a small panel of staff members appropriate for your specific volunteer position (this is generally no more than three people).

You can prepare by reading over the position description again and reading the volunteer code of conduct.  

• What is the main role of zoos in today’s society?
• Do you think it is more important to be a people person or an animal person if you work in a zoo?
• How would you deal with a frustrated visitor?
• How would you deal with seeing a visitor feeding an animal? 

• complete a standard, basic literacy and numeracy skills test;
• participate in a short group activity;

and/or

• deliver a short presentation.

At the recruitment day you will be advised when you should expect to hear whether you have been successful or not. All applicants (successful or unsuccessful) will be advised in writing.

Please note: we are not able to provided individual feedback if you were unsuccessful. We have such a large number of applicants that this is not possible. 

Yes. Depending on the program or volunteer opportunity, there is a financial contribution required by volunteers to cover application and processing costs.

• free entry to visit the Zoo any time during opening hours;
• complimentary passes for friends and family*;
• discounted Zoo Friends membership*;
• 10% discount on zoo retail and food outlets;
• 50% discount on TTI short courses*; and
• 50% discount on TTI accredited courses*.

*applies to long-term volunteer roles only

All long-term volunteers are required to wear a uniform and name badge.

Those undertaking short-term opportunities must wear a name badge and can opt to purchase a Taronga Volunteer uniform if they wish. 

Yes. All volunteers must undergo a health assessment check and a working with children check. 

Click here to explore our current short-term opportunities.

While we really appreciate your dedication and support, we are unable to accommodate those who just want to come along and help out for the day.