…have the opportunity to see the joy in children's eyes as they ride the ponies led by our staff. Volunteers assist children with putting on their helmets, helping them on/off the ponies and taking tickets. Pony Ride Volunteers interact with ponies and guests including children, work outdoors, and must have good communication skills and a cheerful and patient disposition. The pony ride area opens based on attendance and closes in inclement weather and winter months Monday-Thursday.

…have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of our guests while they interact with our farm animals. Volunteers monitor the farm, assist guests and ensure the safety of the farm animals; they also must enjoy working with guests of all ages, working with farm animals (no cleaning) and working outdoors. Farm Volunteers assist during our busy months and do not need to volunteer during colder months or inclement weather.

…assist guests and monitor the lorikeet aviary in the Koala Knockabout area. Guests have the opportunity to walk through the lorikeet aviary and buy nectar to feed the birds. Volunteers must have a love for birds and guests of all ages. Lorikeet Aviary Volunteers assist during our busy months and do not need to volunteer during colder months or inclement weather.

…have the opportunity to assist guests when they enter the park by taking tickets at the front gate or assisting at the giraffe-feeding platform. Guest Services Volunteers make our guests at Riverbanks feel welcome, so good communication skills and a cheerful and patient disposition are required. Guest Services Volunteers assist during our busy months and do not need to volunteer during colder months or inclement weather.

…have the exciting opportunity to assist our keepers with cleaning exhibits, food preparation, behavioral enrichment and other special projects associated with animal care. Volunteers do not have direct contact with some of the animals. Cleaning duties vary and could include cleaning glass, scooping poop, washing dishes, lifting hay, sweeping, stooping, hosing, etc. Animal Care Volunteers work in a variety of areas including bird, small mammal, large mammal, and farm based on availability.

…have the opportunity to work with our professional aquarists at Riverbanks. Aquarium volunteers assist with preparing food and cleaning and are asked to volunteer four hours, one day a week either in the morning or afternoon.

Volunteer Divers have the unique opportunity to dive in our aquariums while feeding and cleaning. Divers must be certified and are required to have a dive physical at their own expense, take a written and skills exam and have 12 dives observed. A dive manual and information will be mailed on request. Equipment is provided including a wet suit. Volunteers Divers must be available one day a week for approximately two hours.

…enhance visitors' knowledge and appreciation of the Zoo by providing answers to general questions and communicating information about Zoo programs and exhibits. Volunteer opportunities with education include docent, animal caretaker, school and summer programs assistant, counselor-in-training, and overnight camp programs assistant.

Education Volunteers are trained by our professional staff to give presentations and/or assist with Zoo Clues Carts in the park. Education Volunteers have the unique opportunity to educate our guests and represent Riverbanks. We require volunteers to attend an 11-week training session for two to three hours each week and mentor current volunteers after the training. Training is held annually in January on Tuesday evenings; a $25 fee is required to cover the cost of the class. Must commit to volunteering a minimum of six months for ten hours each month after training. Registration begins in November of each year.

…work with our professional horticulture staff in the Zoo and/or Botanical Garden.

…assist with events in the Zoo and Garden. Special events may include the opening of new exhibits, ZOOFari, Boo at the Zoo, Lights Before Christmas, Enrichment Day, Wine Tasting and other events held at Riverbanks. Boo at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas are fun opportunities for community service groups to volunteer.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is seeking several volunteers to present environmental education in an entertaining and engaging manner through the use of theater, movement, and puppetry! 4-6 actors/actresses will be cast for the Fall/Winter season (October – January).

Costumed Interpreters Must Be: