Prospect Park Zoo Volunteer Program

Current Volunteer Sign-in

The Prospect Park Zoo offers two ways to volunteer. As a teen Discovery Guide, you'll answer questions about animals, direct visitors around the zoo, help out at special events and run children's activities. As an adult Education Docent you'll interpret animal exhibits, lead tours, interact with families in the Discovery Center, assist with educational programs, and have the opportunity to train as a narrator for daily Sea Lion feedings.

Discovery Guides
The Discovery Guide program is for teenagers and college students.

Discovery Guides help to maintain a friendly atmosphere for zoo visitors by interpreting animal exhibit areas, assisting with birthday parties and special events, and conducting research projects. Zoo internships can satisfy school community service hours, which can be applied toward school credit (check with your school), provide an introduction to careers in the animal field, or be a satisfying part of a summer vacation.

We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2013 season.  Please complete the following application.  The deadline for Summer deadline is April 1.  Summer training dates are June 27, 28, July 1, 2, and 3, 2013.   Please note that we will only host one training for the 2013-14 school year, which will take place in the fall.  We will begin accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year soon, so please check back for deadlines and training dates.

Download the application >>

Education Docents
Prospect Park Zoo is looking for dedicated adults who are willing to become Zoo Docents. As a volunteer educator, your level of commitment to the zoo is much greater than that of a seasonal volunteer. Those who are accepted into the program will attend a minimum of eight session training course Session topics will include conservation, biology, and informal learning. Once you have successfully completed docent training, you'll be ready to give tours, interact with families in our Discovery Center, and interpret exhibits. 

We are no longer accepting applications for our adult Docent program.  We will begin accepting applications again in August 2013.

If you are a current college student looking for a summer internship for school credit, please fill out the Discovery Guide application above.

For more information, call (718) 399-7339 Ext. 325 or email ppzvolunteer@wcs.org