Join Our Herd
Youth Volunteer Opportunities at the Zoo
San Antonio Zoo’s Wildlife Allies inspire our future generations to LEAP for wildlife. Our youth volunteer program provides meaningful life experiences with opportunities to be leaders, educators, and stewards in the San Antonio community. Wildlife Allies are taught valuable skills in the form of nature interpretation, and public speaking.
Our Wildlife Allies support the zoo’s mission to Love, Engage, Act, and Protect animals and the places they live. Teens, 13-17 years old, who are passionate about conservation, animal care, science, and education will gain practical experience and develop skills in educational interpretation while acting to secure a future for wildlife.
These like-minded teens who are passionate about nature will mentor future generations, inspire guests of all ages, help protect the environment, and participate in community science.
Characteristics of volunteers that thrive as Wildlife Allies
- Passionate about conserving wildlife and the places they live
- Public speaking roles, or willingness to learn public speaking
- Public facing roles, with many guest interactions daily
- Outdoor activities and a variety of weather conditions
- Opportunities to learn and gain experience for careers in animal care, veterinary science, wildlife conservation, education, or other related fields.
Accommodations and Accessibility
San Antonio Zoo believes anyone can and should be able to become a Wildlife Ally. Teens of all abilities are welcome to join, and all participants will be provided mentoring, training time, and constructive feedback in the program.
Our volunteer experience will include:
- Adhering to San Antonio Zoo’s policies and procedures
- Walking over uneven ground
- Spending several hours at a time outdoors
- Sticking to a schedule, time management, and task prioritization
- Keeping a professional and positive attitude while on Zoo property
- Working together with fellow Wildlife volunteers, Docents (adult volunteers), and Zoo staff
- Engaging guests respectfully, and kindly
- Wearing a smile!
Please assist us in providing the best experience for our prospective Wildlife Allies by informing us of any special considerations prior to participating in our program. This may include information on your teen’s allergies, accessibility concerns, behavioral, psychological, or emotional conditions as well as any other special needs. Our goal is to help your teen succeed!
Please contact our teen volunteers program at evan.jew@sazoo.org or liz.johanek@sazoo.org to make an accommodation request.
Currently, we are unable to provide one-on-one support or supplementary services.
Session Dates and Details
September
- Sunday: 10th
- Sunday: 17th
- Sunday: 24th
October
- Sunday: 15th
- Sunday: 22nd
- Sunday: 29th
November
- Sunday: 5th
- Sunday: 12th
- Sunday: 26th
You must attend the first session of each month. Other dates strongly encouraged, but optional.
Applications opened December 2023.
February
- Sunday: 18th
- Saturday: 24th
March
- Sunday: 3rd
- Saturday: 23rd
April
- Saturday: 6th
- Sunday: 14th
You must attend the first session of each month. Other dates strongly encouraged, but optional.
DATES TBD
Frequently Asked
Questions
Students ages 13-17 who are passionate about wildlife and conservation.
Wildlife Allies have exclusive opportunities throughout San Antonio Zoo that offer unique glimpses into conservation as well as behind the scenes insights. Animal care shifts are not currently offered to volunteers.
Yes! Please reach out to either evan.jew@sazoo.org or liz.johanek@sazoo.org for more information.
There is no penalty, but there are no make-up sessions. Please contact evan.jew@sazoo.org to let us know if your teen is unable to attend a specific date.
Please bring a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
A member of the Education staff is always present to support and mentor throughout the day.
Each mandatory session is six hours. Additional opportunities for service are available seasonally and will be posted to the volunteer portal.
You must be 13 years old to apply.
If turning 18, you may complete your current session.
Yes! Reference letters may be requested upon completion of your session.
If you have not received your Covid-19 vaccine you will need to wear a mask at the zoo. If you are vaccinated, mask wearing is at your discretion. Please note, this is subject to change.
Session space is limited. Thoughtfully complete your application today.
Memberships are not included in the Wildlife Allies program.
San Antonio Zoo observes safety standards in accordance with a severe weather matrix. If there is inclement weather, Wildlife Allies will be kept safe.
Submit your application online. Once the application period ends, all applications will be reviewed. You will receive an email from Wildlife Allies with your next steps!
Absolutely. However, it is not needed for consideration.
Each month, Wildlife Allies may attend three offered service dates. The program operates from 9:30am – 4:00pm. In the morning, Wildlife Allies explore an animal/nature/conservation related topic in-depth. This may include Behind-the-Scenes visits, animal encounters, special speakers, zoo tours, experiential programs, and/or group projects. Then, after lunch, they venture back into the zoo to engage guests to LEAP with mission-focused encounters. A member of the Education staff is always present to support and mentor the teens throughout their day.
Please refer to mandatory dates to choose the session that is right for you.