Volunteer Programs

Interpretive guest service volunteers are friendly, well-spoken, and engaging volunteers who enjoy connecting with visitors in the zoo. They contribute to an enhanced guest experience by offering information about the animals through storytelling and conservation education messaging. They also help to encourage our guests to adhere to zoo guidelines including COVID appropriate behavior for the safety of our animals, our staff, and our guests.

Monday through Sunday:
– 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Interpretive Guest Service Training:
Interpretive guest service training consists of a virtual safety and zoo procedure training followed by a comprehension quiz. The virtual training covers general information about the animals found at the volunteer stations, zoo vocabulary, how to be a presenter, zoo safety and general flow within the zoo. After completion of the training volunteers may choose to shadow with a current volunteer. When the trainee is comfortable, they choose a once a week, 3-hour shift and become an Interpretive Guest Service volunteer.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a background check to your Application Profile
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person or virtual interview at the Honolulu Zoo

Front Entrance Greeters are outgoing, energetic, friendly, well-spoken volunteers who enjoy greeting and sharing interesting facts about the zoo and how guests can best enjoy their time during their visit. They share their passion for the zoo by welcoming visitors and answering and anticipating questions. They assist with ensuring current safety protocols and are the first line of interaction zoo guests receive upon entering the zoo.

Monday through Sunday:
– 10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON

Front Entrance Greeter Training:
Front Entrance Greeter training consists of a general volunteer orientation and a one part comprehensive session that goes over how to be an interpretive guide, general zoo history, zoo layout learning through mapping and touring, frequently asked questions, programs overview, general pricing and visiting school group check in process.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a background check to your Application Profile
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person interview at the Honolulu Zoo

*Currently not available due to COVID. We hope to resume this program soon.

Docent Zoo Talkers are energetic, friendly, and well-spoken volunteers who enjoy “talking story” about the animals who call our zoo home and, through conservation messaging, inspiring others to appreciate our living world. They share their knowledge and passion for animals with our guests.

Monday through Sunday:
– 9:30AM – 12noon
– 12noon – 2:30PM

Docent Zoo Talker Training:
Under revision to align with current COVID protocols, Docent Zoo Talker training covers general information on the different docent stations, zoo vocabulary, how to be a presenter, zoo safety and zoo touring. After completion of the training volunteers may choose to shadow with current volunteers for more one-on-one time. When the trainee is comfortable, they choose a once a week, 2.5-hour shift and become a Docent Zoo Talker Volunteer.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a background check to your Application Profile
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person or virtual interview at the Honolulu Zoo

*Currently not available due to COVID 

Keiki Zoo Greeters are outgoing, energetic, friendly, well-spoken, and organized volunteers who enjoy greeting and checking in school groups to enter the Keiki Zoo during their fieldtrips to the zoo. They share a passion for the zoo and help prepare those entering this area by sharing the “Keiki Zoo Rules of Conduct”, information about the animals, and how they can safely interact with them.

Friday Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
10:00AM – 1:00PM

Keiki Zoo Greeter Training:
Keiki Zoo Greeter training consists of a general volunteer orientation and a one-part comprehensive session that goes over how to be an interpretive guide, Keiki Zoo guidelines and rules, the animals in the Keiki Zoo and the visiting school group check in process.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a background check to your Application Profile
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person or virtual interview at the Honolulu Zoo

Junior Leader training consists of a general volunteer orientation and a one-part session where volunteer trainees are introduced to educational staff, camp schedule, guidelines on how to best be a mentor, introduction to animal bio-artifacts and zoo safety. It is preferred that first-time volunteers in the Jr. Leader program start during spring, fall or winter camp.

Monday through Friday during Zoo Camp Sessions:
-8:00AM – 2:30PM, with extended camphours from 2:30PM – 5:30PM

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a current TB negative test result (Test results accepted within 2 years)
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person interview at the Honolulu Zoo

Event Volunteers:
Event volunteering is a great way for clubs, businesses, military groups, and churches to help support the zoo in providing great experiences to the community through the many events that are hosted throughout the year. If your group is interested in taking part in volunteering for zoo events, please contact the Honolulu Zoo Society’s Volunteer Coordinator at scarlos@honzoosoc.org.

Community Group One Day Volunteering:
Community group volunteering is a great way for clubs, businesses, churches, military groups, and schools to take part in one day volunteer activities at the Honolulu Zoo. Groups may help with special projects such as zoo beautifying, enrichment building, painting, equipment cleaning, and litter patrol. If your group is interested in setting up a community volunteer day, please contact the Honolulu Zoo Society’s Volunteer Coordinator at scarlos@honzoosoc.org. Please note that due to COVID and our current tier group size is limited to 10 people. Groups are welcome to volunteer on multiple days to break up larger group sizes.

Let us know if your group has any specialized set of skills and whether financial support is available for project supplies. On applying for a community volunteer day please review and have all members volunteering complete a Community Group Waiver of Liability.

Internships:
Currently the Honolulu Zoo does not offer a structured internship program. Please refer to the current volunteer programs for more detailed information.