At Bristol Zoological Society, we engage with over 230 volunteers a year. Our volunteers help us in our mission of Saving Wildlife Together by giving up their time and sharing their skills and knowledge.
The majority of our volunteer roles are in visitor engagement at Bristol Zoo Project – here our volunteers engage with visitors and help share information about our conservation work and our amazing animals.
Engagement volunteers
Our Engagement Volunteers welcome our visitors and share fun facts and ideas to help them have a great day and learn about our conservation work.
Our volunteers also support Engagement staff with fun seasonal activities around site and help out in the Lemur Walkthrough.
Where: Bristol Zoo Project
When: One shift a week, morning or afternoon shifts (hours vary seasonally)
Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project
Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project volunteers help with wildlife-themed walks, games and crafts which are delivered to schools, play schemes and youth groups out on the Downs.
They also help with events such as the Bristol Festival of Nature, the Downs Festival and Cycle Sunday as well as helping behind the scenes with developing educational resources.
Where: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Conservation Education Centre (CEC)
When: Ad-hoc volunteering through spring, summer and autumn (with some talks through the winter)
Ectotherm Volunteer (fixed-term)
We currently have a fixed-term volunteer opportunity with our Ectotherm team which look after our fish, reptiles and invertebrates. Species include Lord Howe stick insects, tree monitor lizards, freshwater fish and Partula snails.
Ectotherm Volunteers support staff with feeding animals, cleaning habitats, checking temperatures and water quality. This opportunity is available from January - July 2025 on Wednesday mornings.
Where: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Conservation Education Centre (CEC)
When: Wednesdays from 8.30am - 1pm, January - July 2025
Animal Keeper Volunteers
We have two Animal Keeper Volunteer opportunities available at our Bristol Zoo Project site.
Animal Keeper Volunteers support our Animal Keepers with feeding animals, cleaning habitats and providing enrichment for our animals.
Volunteers will help on 3 different sections – hoofstock, primates and birds, and will also get the opportunity to observe our carnivore keepers on their section.
Where: Bristol Zoo Project
When: Saturdays or Sundays, 8.30 - 4.30pm
Please note we require a minimum 6 month commitment for this role due to the training required.
How to apply
Please complete an Expression of Interest form by clicking the button below. If you have any queries, please email [email protected].
Please note we won’t be accepting Expressions of Interest for our Youth Volunteer programme until April 2025.
We want our volunteer programme to reflect the diversity of the West of England and to engage with different communities. We have established partnerships with organisations that support young people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire to help us achieve this. We are committed to making our volunteer roles accessible and open to all areas of the community.
"I feel part of a great friendly team who I’ve learnt so much from, yet there’s always more to learn. I’d encourage anyone interested in wildlife and conservation to consider volunteering, but be prepared to be out in all weathers! It’s really rewarding, a lot of fun, and an exciting time to be involved with Bristol Zoological Society."
Diana Harcourt – Engagement Volunteer
"I had to be a volunteer when I saw Bristol Zoo Project were recruiting. I so enjoy my shifts and the chance to work with other volunteers and staff, and the engagement with visitors brings a big smile to my face. My passion is animal conservation and being a volunteer means I can spread this vitally important work."
Mike Rose – Engagement Volunteer
"I love being outdoors and being able to walk around BZP or the Downs. It's also great to get to know the other volunteers and to support each other - I have learned such a lot from people. As a volunteer I feel valued and appreciated by the organisation which makes it a great place to volunteer. It’s been a fab experience."
Sian Mann – Engagement Volunteer
For all of our long-term volunteering roles (including our Animal Keeper volunteer roles) you need to be aged 18 or over. We do run a short-term Youth Volunteer programme with our Engagement team over the summer months which is open to young people aged 16-19. We will be accepting expressions of interest for this from April 2025.
Please see our Careers page for information about our work experience programme. Please note the majority of our volunteer roles are not suitable for work experience placements and we don’t offer work experience with our Animals team.
We aren’t currently able to offer Duke of Edinburgh placements as our minimum age for most volunteer roles is 18. We do run short term Youth Volunteer programmes with our Engagement team in the summer months, but this is only open to young people aged 16-19.
