Brandywine Zoo - Become a Volunteer

Become part of a growing, committed group of volunteers at the Brandywine Zoo who make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people each year. Call the Assistant Curator of Education at 302-571-7850, ext. 209. We invite you to explore the Zoo's volunteer opportunities and docent program.

Benefits include:

Continuing education opportunities
Training
Field trips
Making new friends
Helping animals and our environment through education

Have an interest in animals and the zoo?

Have an interest in conservation?

Enjoy learning and sharing information?

At least 13 years of age?

Able to donate 4 hours a month?

Willing to participate in training programs?

If you answered 'Yes' to the questions above, the Brandywine Zoo has opportunities for you to get involved!

Volunteer Opportunities

Zoo Volunteers (ages 18+)

Zoo Crew (ages 13-17)

Summer Zoo Internships

Group Volunteer Opportunities

How to Get Invloved

Volunteer Program (ages 18 & up)

The Volunteer Program was established to support the education initiatives of the Delaware Zoological Society. After a comprehensive training course that includes: zoo orientation, behind the scenes information, animal facts exhibit interpretation, program information, animal handling training and teaching methods, volunteers may provide support for education activities, school tours, live animal presentations, on-site live animal exhibit interpretation, weekend traveling zoo programs, informal public presentations and special events.

Wednesday, April 14: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Volunteer Open House

Ages 18 and up
Looking to make a difference? Want to share your passion for wildlife conservation? Do you want to inspire others? The zoo may be the place for YOU! We are looking for mature, dedicated, knowledgeable, outgoing, and inspiring individuals to spread the Brandywine Zoo's mission about wildlife conservation. To find out more, attend the zoo's open house located in the Education Building (next to the Exotic House.) You will be able to gather information, ask questions, fill out an application, the necessary background check, and even complete the interview process! Registration not required. Fee: FREE!

Zoo Crew (ages 13-17)

We offer teens an inside look at what zoos do for wildlife conservation and how one person really can make a difference! Some activities Zoo Crew members will participate in include, but are not limited to: Program Assistance, Biofact Interpretation, Interactive Displays, Public Speaking, Special Events, and Volunteer Meetings and Trainings. At age 16, Zoo Crew members may be eligible to begin animal handling training. Zoo Crew members may become an animal handling volunteer by meeting animal handling volunteer requirements.

Summer Teen Internships (ages 13 & up)

Saturday, April 24: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Volunteer Open House: Summer Zoo Internships for Teens

Ages 13-18
The Brandywine Zoo's Education Department is looking for committed teens to fill a select number of internship positions this summer. The Zoo's unique internship program offers teens a chance to work in the zoo assisting with summer camps and/or leading informal programs for the public. After successfully completing the application/interview process, all selected interns must attend the mandatory training session on Saturday, May 22, 9:30am - 3:30pm (No Exceptions!) Zoo staff and former teen interns will be on hand to answer questions and to show off the wonder that is the Brandywine Zoo! The Open House will meet in the Education Building. All are welcome to attend. Registration not required.

Our internship program offers teens the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the education and zoological field. Our Summer Intern Program is very competitive and highly selective. Our ideal intern candidate is energetic, motivated, works well independently, works well with the public, a team player, able to commit at least four weeks, and a wildlife enthusiast! Check back in spring 2010 for the online application.

Examples of summer jobs:

Internship #1: Zoo Camp Counselor
Zoo Camp Counselors have the awesome responsibility of assisting zoo staff in creating a fun and WILD environment for all of our Zoo Campers. The day will include games, crafts, and activities geared toward specific age levels and topics. We are looking for responsible, fun, child-friendly, environment loving teens to help us create a ZOOpendous summer! You must commit to at least two weeks. You must be present Monday through Friday, 7:45am - 4:15pm (or 5:30pm Monday through Thursday if you chose to stay to assist with the camp after care program).

Internship #2 Zoo Naturalist
Zoo Naturalists the unique responsibility of providing a fun, interactive, animal-themed learning environment for our zoo guests of all ages. Zoo Naturalists will perform informal learning presentations through the use of the Zoo's Discovery Cart, Conservation Action Station, Keeper Watching programs, and live animal presentations. We are looking for someone who is responsible, enjoys working with and can engage the public (particularly children), likes the outdoors, and passionate about the environment and wildlife conservation. You must commit to at least 20 shifts (or 10 shifts if you are also a Zoo Camp Intern) from June 1 through August 31. Shift times are 9:45am - 1pm and/or 12:45pm - 4pm Sundays through Saturdays. You may apply for both internships as long as the time requirements for each don't conflict with each other.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

If you belong to a group, such as a civic, senior, school, business or recreational group, you may contact our Assistant Curator of Education at 302-571-7850, ext. 209 OR email us about one-time volunteer opportunities.

If you belong to a group, such as a civic, senior or recreational group, you may elect to take the training and become volunteers together. It's a great way to give back to the community and be involved with children of all ages!

Volunteer Requirements

Must be at least 13 years old for Zoo Crew or Summer Teen Internships; must be 18 or older for Volunteer Program
Must pass a background check.
If under 18 years old, application and background check must be signed by parent or legal guardian.
Must attend a comprehensive training course.
Must have at least 3 references returned to the zoo on or before training (e-mail, mail or bring to training).
Must purchase a shirt and name tag. Approximate cost for both is $27.00.
Attend bimonthly volunteer meetings from 6pm to 9pm. 2010 Volunteer Meeting dates to be posted.
Must adhere to the uniform policy as described in the training course.
Be friendly, enthusiastic and dependable.
Do assigned tasks as agreed upon with the Zoo Education Staff.

How to Get Involved!

To be considered for a volunteer position at the Brandywine Zoo, you must fill out an application, be interviewed, have three non-relatives write references, and pass a State of Delaware background check. Your first step is to complete the Volunteer Application and send it to the Brandywine Zoo, Attention: Volunteer Program 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802.