KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather
Volunteers offer invaluable support to the Tulsa Zoo. They work with visitors and staff, plants and animals, independently and in groups, on weekdays, evenings and weekends. They learn, while helping with education and conservation activities, keep our fundraisers successful and most importantly, they have fun!
The Tulsa Zoo has several volunteer opportunities to choose from! If you're interested in getting involved and want to know more, please fill out any of the volunteer applications below and we will contact you shortly.
Looking for a just a one time volunteer opportunity? Email Lisa now at LLaughrey@tulsazoo.org to be added to the email list for our October ZooRun and HallowZOOeen volunteer opportunities!
Please click on any of the links below for more information about getting involved at the Tulsa Zoo.
Contact Yard is another term for the petting zoo! Contact yard volunteers get to handle goats, sheep and bunnies after completing a one session training. Volunteers are responsible for welcoming the public into the petting zoo and instructing them on how to properly approach the animals, pet and play with them. The minimum requirement is 4 hours a month. Available time slots vary depending on the season.
Volunteers who educate the public about wildlife, ecosystems and conservation. The docent program is currently being updated and we hope to hold a training in the fall. You’re welcome to get started in another volunteer group in the meantime and then sign up for the docent training as soon as it becomes available. For more information about the docent program, please email Jarledge@tulsazoo.org.
Our bread and butter! Wildbunchers are our service volunteers who make all of our special events, fundraisers, school field trips and general customer service possible. Wildbunch volunteers do not have a structured schedule, but volunteer whenever they’re available. This group has a lot of evening and weekend volunteer positions.
Emerge yourself in the rainforest! Our Rainforest Rangers get to spend their time emerged around sloths, posion dart frogs, owls, mccaws, and many, many more amazing animals. After attending training, rainforest rangers set their schedule depending on how often they would like to volunteer. The minimum requirement is 4 hours a month. Available time slots are 9:30am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm, seven days of the week.
The Zoo Teen program at the Tulsa Zoo is for teens (ages 13-17) who are interested in animals and conservation. Among other experiences, it will provide participants with opportunities to learn about working with animals, educating zoo guests and taking on leadership roles.
Detailed information and applications are provided to interested candidates each spring. Regrettably, the deadline for 2013 has already passed and the program is at capacity. If you would like to receive information when it becomes available next spring (2014) please contact Anne Grinnan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Group Service Projects
Please contact the Volunteer Manager to begin planning your service project group 3-6 months prior to your event. We try to accept as many groups as possible, but we can only accept a 3-5 every year. For more information, please email Lisa Laughrey at LLaughrey@tulsazoo.org. You may also download the application online here, and return the completed form to the Volunteer Manager.
Court Ordered Community Service
The Zoo cannot currently accept volunteers who are wanting to fulfill their court ordered community service requirements because we are a family establishment.
Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age requirement for docent, wildbunch, rainforest rangers and contact yard is 18 years old. The minimum age requirement for zoo teens is 13. We currently do not have any volunteer opportunities for children under the age of 13, but they can always get involved in our education camps!
Minimum Time Commitment
The Tulsa Zoo’s volunteer program is set up for long-term commitments. We are unable to accept volunteers who can only give a couple of hours. The minimum time commitment is 36 volunteer hours per calendar year for all adult volunteers.
Looking for a just a one time volunteer opportunity? Email Lisa now at LLaughrey@tulsazoo.org to be added to the email list for our October ZooRun and HallowZOOeen volunteer opportunities!
Animal Internships
We currently do not have an official summer internship program. However, from time to time zoo keepers do request unpaid interns. To qualify for an animal internship, you must be an active zoo volunteer and be in college studying to work with animals. Most volunteers who would like an internship, will be able to get one.
Job Shadows
We are not currently accepting Job Shadow applications.
For any other questions, please email Lisa Laughrey, Volunteer Manager at LLaughrey@tulsazoo.org.
Current Volunteers
If you are currently an active volunteer at the Zoo and wish to access VicNet, please click here.
Tulsa Community College Volunteers
Tulsa Achieves students can sign up to volunteer here.
