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.

Monday through Sunday:
– 9:45AM – 1:15PM

Interpretive Guest Service Training:
Volunteers will receive hands-on instruction covering safety procedures, zoo protocol, animal information for their designated stations, zoo vocabulary, and presentation techniques. Trainees will also learn about zoo safety and the general flow of the zoo environment. Volunteers will shadow experienced volunteers and staff to gain practical experience. Once comfortable, trainees will select a weekly 3-hour shift to officially join the team as 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

Junior Leaders are youth volunteers, ages 13–16, who support the Honolulu Zoo’s Education Department during seasonal Zoo Camp sessions (spring, summer, fall, and winter). They assist with outdoor, science-based learning activities, help guide younger campers and serve as positive role models. Through hands-on experience, Junior Leaders gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, and environmental education, while deepening their understanding of wildlife and conservation in a fun and engaging setting.

This program is ideal for teens interested in wildlife conservation, education, and community service. Junior Leaders must be available to volunteer for at least one full week of Zoo Camp to participate.

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

Junior Leader Training 
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, and an 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.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person or Zoom 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, recycling, and exhibit maintenance. 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.

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

The Honolulu Zoo Society is currently accepting unpaid internships to assist with educational programming. To inquire, please email education@honzoosoc.org and complete the online volunteer application.

Keeper Support Volunteers assist zoo staff with essential tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, preparing diets, and creating enrichment items. This hands-on role is a great way to learn more about animal husbandry while working outdoors and contributing to the care of the zoo’s animals. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must provide a current TB skin test and proof of a COVID-19 booster with their volunteer application to be considered.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a background check to your Application Profile
-Upload a current TB negative test result (Test results accepted within 12 months)
-Upload a current COVID-19 booster (Booster documentation within 12 months)
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person or Zoom interview at the Honolulu Zoo

Veterinary Support Volunteers work closely with veterinary staff to assist in the care and treatment of zoo animals. Duties may include helping with medical record keeping, preparing and sanitizing equipment, organizing supplies, and observing routine health procedures and treatments. This behind-the-scenes opportunity offers valuable exposure to veterinary practices in a zoological setting and is ideal for individuals on a veterinary school track. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must submit a current TB skin test and proof of a COVID-19 booster with their volunteer application. Preference will be given to those actively pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine or those currently working in the field.

To Apply:
-Complete the Volunteer Application
-Upload a signed Waiver of Liability to your Application Profile
-Upload a background check to your Application Profile
-Upload a current TB negative test result (Test results accepted within 12 months)
-Upload a current COVID-19 booster (Booster documentation within 12 months)
-Upload a current photo to your Application Profile
-Schedule an in-person or Zoom interview at the Honolulu Zoo