Information is taken from the following website
Welcome to Zoos South Australia[]
We are a non-profit conservation charity. We provide conservation education, as well as supporting and conducting many conservation, breeding and research programmes. As part of our conservation efforts we run Adelaide and Monarto Zoos and Warrawong Sanctuary. We work within the WAZA guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals.
Volunteer[]
As a Member, you can become a volunteer.
Volunteers help the zoo by conducting group tours of both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos by providing helpful information to visitors, participating in ZOOWATCH programs and by assisting with promotional events and other zoo requirements.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends: to learn more about, and help the zoo and its animals.
Please contact our Volunteer Co-ordinators if you would like further information:
Ngareta Cronin, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Zoos SA
ph 8267 3255 or email zoovolunteers@zoossa.com.au.
What you need to know[]
Our volunteers have a love of animals and the natural world and most also have a love of people
But...
You need to understand that most volunteer activities do NOT involve contact with animals.
Our volunteers do not assist keeping staff with husbandry or Veterinary staff with the health and welfare of animals.
However...
Being a volunteer enables you to work in an amazing environment with friendly, like minded people. You will gain knowledge, develop skills and know you are very much appreciated.
Training[]
Orientation and basic training weekends are held every year, followed by on the job training. A small cost is involved to cover costs of administration and printed material.
All volunteers
- are at least 18 years of age
- are required to be Members of the Royal Zoological Society of S.A. Inc, a not-for-profit and non-government organization.
- are required to attend orientation, induction and OH & S training
- promote the aims and objectives of the Royal Zoological Society of S.A. Inc.
Adelaide Volunteers[]
Please ensure you read the general information as it outlines some things you should know about being a volunteer at the zoo.
Children's Zoo[]
- Help keeping staff to maintain children’s zoo animals through handling and feeding
- Supervise visitor interaction with some animals
- Inform visitors about the animals and the work done in the children’s zoo
- Are rostered to help provide a daily service between 1 – 2:30 pm
- Must have up to date tetanus vaccinations
Zoo Guides[]
- Lead groups on walks around the zoo
- Provide information to visitors about the Royal Zoological Society, conservation issues, the Zoo and its animals
- Provide interpretation of touch tables items
- Assist at the zoo a minimum of one day per month
Information Centre[]
- Provide information and directions to visitors within the zoo
- Be knowledgeable on other attractions within the city and State so that further information can be provided
BEEZA (Behavioural and Environmental Enrichment for Zoo Animals)[]
- Make food treats requested by keeping staff
- Develop ideas for animal behavioural enrichment activities (to be presented to keeping staff for approval)
- Build and install approved enrichment activities
- Assist in collecting items required for food treats and enrichment (lists of requirements are provided)
Kids' Club[]
- Assist with one of four activity groups for child members or the children of members of the Royal Zoological Society (ages 4-11)
- Meet on the third Saturday of the month during school term
Zoo Youth[]
- Assist with running a program for zoo members aged 12-17
- Supervise activities within the zoo based on conservation, the environment and animals
- Twice yearly, supervise an Out of Zoo Experience (OOZE)
- Assist with additional activities during school holidays such as career’s day, craft activities and BEEZA
- Meet on the second Saturday of each month during school term
Zoo-Ed Guide[]
- Work with Adelaide Zoo Education Service
- Lead behind-the-scenes tours with school groups Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri from 1-2 pm during school term
- Accompany Zoophoria teacher (mobile education unit) to off-site engagements
Zoo Watch[]
- Shifts involve monitoring animal behaviour and collecting data for animal husbandry and safety watch programs initiated by keeping staff
- Availability can be short notice
Members' Activity Groups[]
- Plan, assist and conduct functions and fundraisers for members
- Activities include annual members’ Christmas picnic, quiz night, Behind-the-scenes tours with breakfast/lunch etc.
Cadaver Corps[]
- Meet every Thursday during school term from 9 am – 12 noon to prepare post mortem materials for touch tables and education
- This activity involves skinning and de-fleshing dead animals so is NOT for the faint hearted
Monarto Volunteers[]
Please ensure you read the general information as it outlines some things you should know about being a volunteer at the zoo. Volunteer tasks at Monarto Zoo vary but are all an integral part of assisting with the running of the park and helping our visitors to have an enjoyable experience.
The tasks provided by the volunteers are divided within three categories; Mallee Minders, Hospitality and Monarto Guides.
Mallee Minders[]
- Are primarilly involved in vegetation work at Monarto including tree planting, seed collection & propagation, weed eradication, irrigation and general cleaning on the site
- Assist staff with enclosure landscaping
- Assist with other odd jobs around the park
- Attend to these tasks Wednesdays from 9:30am
Hospitality[]
Orientation and basic training weekends are held every year, followed by on the job training for Mallee Minders and a TAFE accredited guide course for Monarto Guides (a commitment of a four day course held at Monarto plus on the job training and appraisal).
A small cost is involved to cover costs of administration and printed material.
Please Note: All applications for volunteer roles are subject to acceptance by the Society.
Monarto Guides[]
- Lead safari bus tours and walking tours around the park
- Provide static guiding at set locations within the park
- Provide commentary and information about the park and about wildlife conservation
- Assist at the park a minimum of one day per month