Volunteer at the Little Rock Zoo!

Adult volunteers are needed to assist in many aspects of the Little Rock Zoo, including but not limited to special events such as Hiland Dairy Dollar Day, Wild Wines, Zoo Brew, fall festivals, animal birthday parties, awareness days, biofact tables, information stations, and exhibit interpretation stations.

Some activities that may be performed are the following:

• Assisting zoo guests
• Directing school groups
• Helping with Zoofari Camp activities
• Facilitating craft tables for events
• Working registration tables
• Assisting with nature play areas and the Sensory Garden
• Exhibit interpretation
• Biofact stations

Adult Volunteers are required to remain active in the program, on a yearly basis. If a volunteer fails to meet this requirement, they will be put on a one-year suspension and will have to re-apply for the program, the following year.  

Adult Volunteers can apply for the program throughout the year in preparation for orientations and trainings that are held each February and November. Following the successful completion of the adult volunteer’s first six months, they will have the option to apply to join the docent program or may choose to remain in the adult volunteer program.

Adult Volunteer Trainings (trainings will occur over a one day – 8 hour time span) and will cover:

• Zoo Orientation
• Codes and Safety 
• Excellence in Guest Service and Engagement
• Signing up for shifts with Volgistics 
• Information regarding additional training and learning opportunities

Join Us Today!

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be a part of something wild!

Adult Volunteer Application

Questions about volunteer programs? Contact us at EdPrograms@littlerock.gov.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a docent as a volunteer guide in a museum, gallery, or zoo. The word comes from the Latin docere, meaning "to teach."

At the Little Rock Zoo, our docents go beyond guiding—they are educators and interpreters. Through interactive talks and educational programs, they help connect visitors with wildlife, inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature. Their work supports the Zoo’s Education mission to engage minds, touch hearts, and encourage responsible stewardship of the earth.

Essential Responsibilities of a Little Rock Zoo Docent

Docents play a key role in enhancing the guest experience by:

• Welcoming and guiding visitors, providing information about exhibits and zoo activities.
• Leading interactive educational programs, including exhibit interpretation and hands-on learning experiences.
• Teaching lessons for school groups, scout groups, tour groups, and camps both on and off-site.
• Assisting with zoo events and special programs.
• Handling education animals and animal artifacts for presentations.

Requirements to Become a Docent

To join our docent program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Enjoy working and communicating with people.
• Commit to volunteering at least 70 hours per year.
• Participate in ongoing training and continuing education.
• Pass a background check.

How to Join

Interested in becoming a Little Rock Zoo Docent? We'd love to have you on our team! To get started, you must:

1. Successfully complete the six-month Adult Volunteer Program.
2. Apply for the Docent Program.
3. Complete an in-person interview.
4. Attend and complete New Docent Training (held in September).

For more information, contact Jessica Briley at 501-661-7204.

Landscaping volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming and beautiful environment for our guests, animals, and staff. From planting vibrant flowers to maintaining lush green spaces, your efforts directly enhance the Zoo’s natural beauty and provide enriching habitats for wildlife.

What Landscaping Volunteers Do:

Plant & Maintain – Help plant trees, shrubs, and seasonal flowers throughout the Zoo.
Water & Care – Keep flowerbeds and planters thriving, especially during the hot summer months.
Seasonal Maintenance – Rake leaves, spread mulch, and assist with general landscaping upkeep.
Enhance Green Spaces – Support conservation efforts by maintaining naturalistic habitats.

Volunteer Schedule & Requirements:

Available Shifts: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
(Special weekend opportunities may be scheduled.)

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Pass a background check.

Join Us Today!

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be a part of something wild!

Landscape Volunteer Application

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a rewarding team-building experience? We welcome corporate, school, and community groups to schedule a coordinated volunteer day at the Zoo!

For more information, contact us at 501-661-7212.

Generation Zoo is an auxiliary young professionals group of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, a 501 c (3) organization supporting the growth and development of the Little Rock Zoo. Generation Zoo young professionals host special events throughout the year to raise funds for the foundation, volunteer at the Zoo throughout the year and educate members of the public about animals and wildlife conservation. 

Generation Zoo Donor Club

Anyone can be a member of Generation Zoo. Membership is $75 donation and includes the following:

• Opportunities to participate in Generation Zoo events
• Opportunities to volunteer with Generation Zoo at the Little Rock Zoo
• Volunteer name badge
• $15 off Zoo Membership of your choice 
• Generation Zoo members are also given the opportunity to volunteer on planning committees for Wild Wines, Cinco de Rhino and Zoo Brew. 

Each day, the Little Rock Zoo becomes a living classroom and you can become a part of it.  The Zoo invites youth, ages 13-17, to join the newly revamped Youth Zoo Crew! Teens support Zoo staff in providing engaging experiences that inspire people to value and conserve our natural world.  Participants must be willing to learn, step outside their comfort zones, engage with guests of all ages, and share a passion for wildlife conservation.

Learn More

Looking for a fun and rewarding way to give back? Join the Little Rock Zoo’s Special Events Team and help bring our biggest celebrations to life! From community days to signature fundraisers like Wild Wines and Zoo Brew, as well as seasonal festivals and educational programs, our volunteers play a vital role in making these events unforgettable.

Whether you’re assisting with setup, greeting guests, or helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, your efforts directly contribute to the Zoo’s success and mission of connecting people with wildlife.

Please Note: Volunteers must be 21 or older to serve alcohol, and alcohol consumption while volunteering is strictly prohibited.

Special Event Volunteer Opportunities:

• GloWild – Our stunning lantern festival!
• Wild Wines – A premier food and wine experience.
• Zoo Brew – A fun-filled craft beer festival.
• And more as they arise!

Please note: These volunteer opportunities are seasonal and may not always be available. Be sure to check back as each event approaches for updated opportunities and sign-up details.

For more information, contact us at 501-661-7212.