Brandywine Zoo - Become a Volunteer

Become part of a growing, committed group of volunteers at the Brandywine Zoo who make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people each year. Call the Curator of Education at 302-571-7850, ext. 208 for more information. We invite you to explore the Zoo's volunteer opportunities and docent program.

Benefits include:

Continuing education opportunities
Training
Field trips
Making new friends
Helping animals and our environment through education

Have an interest in animals and the zoo?

Have an interest in conservation?

Enjoy learning and sharing information?

At least 13 years of age?

Able to donate 4 hours a month?

Willing to participate in training programs?

If you answered 'Yes' to the questions above, the Brandywine Zoo has opportunities for you to get involved!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Requirements

Zoo Crew (ages 13-17)

ZooCamp Counselor (ages 14+)

Volunteer (ages 18+)

Summer Zoo Intern (ages 13-18)

Docent Program (ages 18+)

How to Get Involved

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Requirements

Must be at least 13 years old for Zoo Crew; must be 18 or older for Volunteer or Docent Program.
Must pass a background check.
If under 18 years old, application and background check must be signed by parent or legal guardian.
Must attend volunteer orientation training.
Must have at least 3 references returned to the zoo on or before training (e-mail, mail or bring to training).
Must become a Delaware Zoological Member ($25 individual/$45 household), as well as purchase a shirt and name tag.
Attend monthly volunteer meetings the first Thursday of the month from 7pm to 8:30pm.
Must wear their blue zoo shirt and khaki pants, shorts, skort or capris and name tag while volunteering.
Must have 25 volunteer working hours before qualifying to attend Docent Training.
Be friendly, enthusiastic and dependable.
Do assigned tasks as agreed upon with the Zoo Education Staff.

Volunteer Program (ages 18 and up)

The Volunteer Program was established to support the educational initiatives of the Delaware Zoological Society. After a short orientation session, volunteers may provide support for special events, special projects, discovery carts, and conservation action stations (which include exhibit interpretation). They are Zoo Ambassadors during such exciting special events as: Earth Day Celebration, Discovery Days, Boo At the Zoo, and Deck the Zoo. Some volunteers may want to go on to take additional training and become docents.

Zoo Crew (ages 13-17)

"Zoo Crew" is a new branch of our already successful volunteer program, and is intended for teens ages 13-17. We offer teens an inside look at what zoos do for wildlife conservation and how one person really can make a difference! Some activities Zoo Crew members will participate in include, but are not limited to: Program Assistance, Biofact Interpretation, Interactive Displays, Public Speaking, Special Events, and Volunteer Meetings and Trainings. At age 16, Zoo Crew members may be eligible to begin animal handling training. Zoo Crew members may become a Docent as well by meeting Docent requirements.

ZooCamp Counselors (ages 13 and up)

Wondering what to do for the summer? Do you love animals and children? The Zoo could be the place for you! We're looking for a few great volunteer counselors to assist with our summer ZooCamp. Work with other teens to help with games, crafts, zoo tours, and making sure our ZooCampers have fun!

Summer Zoo Internships for Teens
Open House (For Ages 13-18)

The Brandywine Zoo's Education Department is looking for committed teens (ages 13-18) to fill a select number of internship positions this summer. The Zoo's unique internship program offers teens a chance to work in the zoo assisting with summer camps and/or leading informal programs for the public. (This is an unpaid position)

Two positions available:

Summer Camp Intern - help lead our summer camp programs for children ages 4-11. Must serve at least two full weeks (Monday-Friday) in this position.
Zoo Naturalist Intern - lead informal educational programs for the public. Must serve at least 40 hours in this position.

Double your fun this summer by doing both! How to join:

To become an intern, attend the Open House on Sunday, April 27, 1-3pm
After successfully completing the application/interview process, all selected summer interns must attend the mandatory training session on Saturday, May 31.

Docent Program (ages 18 and up)

Brandywine Zoo Docents complete specialized training through the Zoo's Docent training program. The training includes zoo orientations, behind the scenes information, animal facts, exhibit interpretation, program information, and training in animal handling and teaching methods. The docents are involved in education activities, tours, live animal presentations, on-site live animal exhibit interpretation, Traveling Zoo programs, informal public presentations, and special events. Read here an interview with a docent.

How to Get Involved!

To be considered for a volunteer position at the Brandywine Zoo, you must fill out an application, be interviewed, have three non-relatives write references, and pass a State of Delaware background check. Your first step is to complete the Volunteer Application and send it to the Curator of Education, Brandywine Zoo, 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

If you belong to a group, such as a civic, senior or recreational group, you may elect to take the training and become volunteers together. It's a great way to give back to the community and be involved with children of all ages!