Make an Impact.
Have Fun Doing It. 

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old for ongoing regular volunteer roles. High school students are eligible for the camp teen volunteer position and some special event roles. You can learn more about the camp teen volunteer position here.

Volunteers can park for free during their shift in the lot on Cannon Drive. Lincoln Park Zoo is also accessible by CTA.

Applications open in January of each year. Please fill out our interest form to be notified when this happens.

The typical volunteer application process includes:

• Submitting an online volunteer application
•  If possible, attending a volunteer information session (held in late winter/early spring)
• Receiving an informational email (if information sessions are unavailable)
• Successfully completing an interview
• Completing background check
• Attending orientation
• Attending training

All submitted applications are reviewed, but we only contact applicants who are being invited to interview. If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks, please email volunteer@lpzoo.org to find out the status of your application.

In most cases, yes. The standard uniform includes a Lincoln Park Zoo polo shirt, khaki colored pants/shorts, and closed-toe shoes. This uniform is required for the following positions: guest engagement volunteer, zoo ambassador, and play assistant. Main zoo gardening, Nature Boardwalk gardening, and Farm-in-the-Zoo gardening volunteers are required to wear a Lincoln Park Zoo gardening shirt, pants, or shorts of their choosing, as well as closed-toe shoes. ZooMonitor volunteers and animal enrichment volunteers are not required to wear a uniform.

Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and rarely closes due to adverse weather conditions. We ask that volunteers come in prepared for the weather that day; however, volunteer safety comes first, and there is no penalty for calling off due to weather-related concerns.

There is a one-time $20 fee for all volunteer positions to cover the cost of name tags and ID cards. The fee may be waived for those who meet certain requirements.

Zoo orientation is a day-long program that all volunteers and staff members attend. It is typically held on Mondays, but a handful of sessions are offered on Saturdays during the spring.

Zoo volunteers receive discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages at our restaurants, plus 20 percent off at our gift shops. Many zoo events have a discounted rate for volunteers. Additionally, free regular admission is offered to volunteers at many local museums and cultural attractions, and there are additional discounts at some local businesses.

Yes, Lincoln Park Zoo provides variation and accommodation to benefit all volunteers. Please let us know how we can best support you in the physical, mental, and social aspects of volunteering. Email access@lpzoo.org with questions or to learn more about accessibility.

We have special events throughout the year which require volunteers for a one-time commitment. Please email volunteer@lpzoo.org to be added to the special events volunteer recruitment list.