Frequently Asked Questions

Can I volunteer to work with animals?
Unfortunately, we do not take volunteers in animal departments due to liability concerns. You can, however, become a Docent or Summer Docent and help educate our public on our collection, their care and conservation.

Why is there a fee to become a volunteer?
The fee pays for your volunteer shirt, name badge, parking pass, training materials, update materials and a background check, depending upon the program. The fee does not cover all our expenses, it just helps to offset them and provide you with more resources to use while volunteering.

Do you have volunteer opportunities for a shorter time frame than the year-round programs?
Our programs are designed to use sustained groups of volunteers as we invest substantial training into our volunteers. Our Summer Docent program allows for a 5 month period of volunteering. Special Events are another great option for someone who wants to volunteer on their own schedule and you can do as many special events as you want! 

Can I do an internship at the Kansas City Zoo?
YES! Our internships are handled through the employment link on our website. Internships are posted in this section. The Kansas City Zoo takes a limited number of interns each year and each position is very selective. If you are interested in internships, please contact kczoojobs@fotzkc.org.




Can my company do a volunteer project at the Zoo?
Most definitely, we have projects for groups of all sizes. Please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@fotzkc.org to discuss your specific needs.





Why do I have to be 14 to volunteer? What can I do without my parents?
Minimum age for employment in Missouri is age 14 and this the baseline for volunteer programs. Youth can volunteer for Team Habitat/ZooScaper or Special Events with their parents. Youth ages 10 and over can volunteer for October Special Events with their parents.

Can I get volunteer credit for my school by volunteering at the Zoo?
Each school has its own criteria for volunteerism. Please check with them for the specifics. With the appropriate documentation provided by the volunteer from the school, we can verify your volunteers hours. 

My volunteer application has been sent to the Zoo, what is next?
You will receive a call or email within two weeks of receipt of your application. The volunteer coordinator will be available to discuss your choices, give you more information if you need it and set up a timeframe for you to attend orientation.

What if I have other questions that aren’t answered here?
Feel free to email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@fotzkc.org. We’ll try to answer any questions you may have.