Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

At ZooTampa, we are always looking for passionate people to join our volunteer team. Our volunteers help inspire our guests through guest engagement, supporting our habitats through out dive team, or protecting our manatees in the wild. See what program is best for you and learn more.

  • Guest Engagement

  • Guest Engagement

    Guest Engagement Ambassadors play an important role in advancing the Zoo’s mission of “creating unforgettable natural connections.” They enhance the guest experiences by engaging and educating visitors of all ages. Our Guest Engagement Ambassadors support select Conservation Stations, use biofacts to engage guests, and answer visitor questions.
    Program Requirements

    Volunteers must be:

    • 18 years or older
    • Enthusiastic and passionate about animals and conservation
    • Reliable, hardworking and possess strong leadership skills
    • Willing and able to regularly and positively engage guests in the park in support of our mission
    • Able to successfully pass a background check and drug screening
    PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
    • Guest Engagement Ambassadors will complete training and shadowing sessions that cover interpretation, conservation, biology and ecology.
    • By the completion of your training, demonstrate the ability to enhance guest experiences through accurate and engaging interpretation throughout the Zoo.
    • Commit to 5 hours a month, for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, of educational volunteering.
    • Successfully complete programs and assignments.
    APPLICATION PROCESS & DETAILS
    • A representative of ZooTampa at Lowry Park will contact those who have applied and invite candidates to attend a mandatory Interview Session.
    • Approved candidates will undergo a background check at their own expense. The cost for this is typically $25.00, but some jurisdictions may charge additional fees.

    We are currently not accepting new applications for our Guest Engagement Ambassador Program. Join our notification list to be alerted once applications are open.

    Join Notification List

  • Dive Team

  • Dive Team

    Join our dive team! This challenging but rewarding position offers certified divers an opportunity not available to most divers and is highly competitive. ZooTampa volunteer divers assist with animal care by diving and snorkeling for habitat maintenance and performing other dive support tasks in the Aquatics and Manatee Critical Care Center, and other select areas of the Zoo.

    Dive volunteers play a critical role in promoting the Zoo’s mission of “creating unforgettable natural connections” by cleaning habitats and engaging with guests regarding the animals in our care, the dive program, and Zoo research and conservation efforts.
    APPLICATION PROCESS & DETAILS
    • Submit your application online.
    • Upload a copy of your certificates.
    • Attend an informational session. (A ZooTampa representative will reach out to qualified applicants with details.)
    • Conditional selection for the dive team will be communicated within two weeks of the interview session. Selected candidates will schedule a background check and dive physical.
    • Upon clearance of these items, volunteer divers will be scheduled for training. Divers must attend and pass all training sessions prior to final acceptance into the program.
    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    Volunteers must:

    • Be 18 years or older.
    • Be able to commit to 2 4-hour shifts each month for at least a year.
    • Show proof of open water or higher certification from a recognized training agency and have 25 logged open water dives.
    • Be enthusiastic and passionate about animals and conservation.
    • Be reliable, hardworking and possess strong leadership skills.
    • Be able to lift up to 30 pounds and work in the outdoor Florida environment.
    • Be willing and able to regularly and positively engage guests in the park in support of our mission.
    • Successfully complete background screening.
    • Demonstrate an attitude of commitment to safe diving practices at all times.
    • Be able to pass a background check and an AAUS dive physical (at own cost).
    • Provide proof of health insurance and sign a liability release.
    • Be able to attend all training sessions and pass a swim test, written exam, and all elements of the ZooTampa dive training program.
    Apply Now

  • Manatee Support

  • Manatee Stranding Volunteer Program

    This challenging, but rewarding, position offers qualified volunteers a highly competitive opportunity to directly support manatee rescue and conservation efforts. ZooTampa Manatee Stranding Volunteers assist with verification surveys, participate in rescue efforts under the direction of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and transport sick, injured, or distressed manatees from rescue locations to rehabilitation facilities.

    Manatee Stranding Volunteers play a critical role in promoting the Zoo’s mission of “Rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals” and supports the Zoo’s conservation and outreach efforts at community outreach events. Manatee volunteers will assist the ZooTampa stranding team with all aspects of stranding response and transportation. Volunteers for the stranding team will provide support to, but will not be active in manatee rehabilitation conducted by the ZooTampa team.

    The Manatee Stranding Volunteer Program is at capacity and is not accepting applications at this time. Please continue to check back for updates when applications are available.

  • Summer Camps

  • ZooTeen Volunteer Program

    If you love working with children, and are passionate about animals and the environment, then the Summer Camp Teen Volunteer Program might be for you!

    Camp Volunteers assist Kindergarten through eighth grade campers with a variety of games, crafts, zoo hikes, and animal science information. Camp Volunteers will work under the supervision of a Camp Counselor, and will complete tasks that support the curriculum objectives of the Camp Program.

    To be eligible, participants must have completed 9th grade and be a minimum of 14 years of age.

    Applications for 2023 are closed

Guest Engagement

Guest Engagement Ambassadors play an important role in advancing the Zoo’s mission of “creating unforgettable natural connections.” They enhance the guest experiences by engaging and educating visitors of all ages. Our Guest Engagement Ambassadors support select Conservation Stations, use biofacts to engage guests, and answer visitor questions.
Program Requirements

Volunteers must be:

  • 18 years or older
  • Enthusiastic and passionate about animals and conservation
  • Reliable, hardworking and possess strong leadership skills
  • Willing and able to regularly and positively engage guests in the park in support of our mission
  • Able to successfully pass a background check and drug screening
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
  • Guest Engagement Ambassadors will complete training and shadowing sessions that cover interpretation, conservation, biology and ecology.
  • By the completion of your training, demonstrate the ability to enhance guest experiences through accurate and engaging interpretation throughout the Zoo.
  • Commit to 5 hours a month, for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, of educational volunteering.
  • Successfully complete programs and assignments.
APPLICATION PROCESS & DETAILS
  • A representative of ZooTampa at Lowry Park will contact those who have applied and invite candidates to attend a mandatory Interview Session.
  • Approved candidates will undergo a background check at their own expense. The cost for this is typically $25.00, but some jurisdictions may charge additional fees.

We are currently not accepting new applications for our Guest Engagement Ambassador Program. Join our notification list to be alerted once applications are open.

Join Notification List

Dive Team

Join our dive team! This challenging but rewarding position offers certified divers an opportunity not available to most divers and is highly competitive. ZooTampa volunteer divers assist with animal care by diving and snorkeling for habitat maintenance and performing other dive support tasks in the Aquatics and Manatee Critical Care Center, and other select areas of the Zoo.

Dive volunteers play a critical role in promoting the Zoo’s mission of “creating unforgettable natural connections” by cleaning habitats and engaging with guests regarding the animals in our care, the dive program, and Zoo research and conservation efforts.
APPLICATION PROCESS & DETAILS
  • Submit your application online.
  • Upload a copy of your certificates.
  • Attend an informational session. (A ZooTampa representative will reach out to qualified applicants with details.)
  • Conditional selection for the dive team will be communicated within two weeks of the interview session. Selected candidates will schedule a background check and dive physical.
  • Upon clearance of these items, volunteer divers will be scheduled for training. Divers must attend and pass all training sessions prior to final acceptance into the program.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be able to commit to 2 4-hour shifts each month for at least a year.
  • Show proof of open water or higher certification from a recognized training agency and have 25 logged open water dives.
  • Be enthusiastic and passionate about animals and conservation.
  • Be reliable, hardworking and possess strong leadership skills.
  • Be able to lift up to 30 pounds and work in the outdoor Florida environment.
  • Be willing and able to regularly and positively engage guests in the park in support of our mission.
  • Successfully complete background screening.
  • Demonstrate an attitude of commitment to safe diving practices at all times.
  • Be able to pass a background check and an AAUS dive physical (at own cost).
  • Provide proof of health insurance and sign a liability release.
  • Be able to attend all training sessions and pass a swim test, written exam, and all elements of the ZooTampa dive training program.
Apply Now

Manatee Stranding Volunteer Program

This challenging, but rewarding, position offers qualified volunteers a highly competitive opportunity to directly support manatee rescue and conservation efforts. ZooTampa Manatee Stranding Volunteers assist with verification surveys, participate in rescue efforts under the direction of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and transport sick, injured, or distressed manatees from rescue locations to rehabilitation facilities.

Manatee Stranding Volunteers play a critical role in promoting the Zoo’s mission of “Rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals” and supports the Zoo’s conservation and outreach efforts at community outreach events. Manatee volunteers will assist the ZooTampa stranding team with all aspects of stranding response and transportation. Volunteers for the stranding team will provide support to, but will not be active in manatee rehabilitation conducted by the ZooTampa team.

The Manatee Stranding Volunteer Program is at capacity and is not accepting applications at this time. Please continue to check back for updates when applications are available.

ZooTeen Volunteer Program

If you love working with children, and are passionate about animals and the environment, then the Summer Camp Teen Volunteer Program might be for you!

Camp Volunteers assist Kindergarten through eighth grade campers with a variety of games, crafts, zoo hikes, and animal science information. Camp Volunteers will work under the supervision of a Camp Counselor, and will complete tasks that support the curriculum objectives of the Camp Program.

To be eligible, participants must have completed 9th grade and be a minimum of 14 years of age.

Applications for 2023 are closed

Existing Volunteers

Login to the Volunteer Information Center to sign up for new volunteer assignments, review your volunteer service history, and read important updates.

Volunteer LogIn

Questions?

Contact the Volunteer Team about questions and opportunities available.

Contact Us
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Tampa Bay CityPASS: Save 52% at 5 top attractions.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, recreation and research. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is featured among the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor.
Contact Us
1101 W. Sligh Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
P: (813) 935-8552

Open today from:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

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Contact the Volunteer Team

Questions about volunteering at ZooTampa?

JOIN THE NOTIFICATION LIST

We’ll alert you when applications open for the Guest Engagement Ambassador Program.

Please review our booking tips before continuing

Outside Food & Drinks Policy

ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a variety of delicious food for guests at several restaurants and concession stands throughout, but we understand that guests may need to bring outside food for special dietary needs. Acceptable and prohibited food items are listed below. For the convenience of our guests, there is a picnic area located outside the park near the main parking lot.

 Acceptable Items
  • Bottled water (max 20oz bottle, sealed) one per guest
  • Small snacks for young children
  • Baby food/baby formula
  • Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep (limit one per child)
  • Pre-purchased empty ZooTampa souvenir cups
  • Any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements
 Prohibited Items
  • Prepared or packaged food or meals
  • Alcohol
  • Glass or any open containers or water bottles filled with beverages
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our animals, guests and employees, the following items are not permitted to be brought into ZooTampa:

  • Any type of explosive or weapon
  • Knives or other sharp objects
  • Pepper spray
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana
  • Illegal drugs
  • Straws
  • Clothing likely to create a danger or disturbance
  • Any hazardous items or materials

The following items are also prohibited to avoid blocking of walkways and/or trip hazards:

  • Segways
  • Hover boards
  • Two-wheeled scooters
  • Self-balancing electric vehicles
  • Shoes with wheels
  • Drones
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.

We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not observing Zoo Rules.

Pay For A Day Tickets

With a new Pay For A Day, Rest of Year Free ticket – for a limited time – you get unlimited admission through December 31, 2023 including access to our seasonal event series. Some blockout dates apply — see below for details. Not valid with any other discounts.

When does my Pay For A Day ticket expire?

For a limited time, new Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets are valid from the day of purchase until 12/31/2023 Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets which were purchased prior to October 1st, 2022 are valid until 12/31/2022.

What are the blockout dates?

3/11/23 – 3/19/23
11/24/23 – 11/26/23
12/26/23 – 12/31/23

Can I purchase a Pay For A Day ticket on a blockout date?

Yes! You can purchase a Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free ticket for first-time use on a listed blockout date and have full access to the park on that day. Blockout dates apply to repeat visitation.

Can I use my Pay For A Day ticket on blockout dates?

If you already have your Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free ticket and wish to visit during a listed blockout date, please stop by the Zoo’s ticketing windows for alternate options:

  1. During blockout periods, Pay For A Day ticket holders have access to significantly discounted single-day tickets.
  2. For a limited time from the date of purchase, Pay For A Day tickets can be upgraded to a Zoo Membership (with no blockout dates).
Buy a Blockout Upgrade
I purchased a Pay For A Day ticket online. How do I get my actual ticket?

Bring a copy of your confirmation (or show the confirmation email on your mobile device) to expedite entry into the Zoo. At your convenience during your visit you can stop by the Tours & Guest Services kiosk located just inside the Zoo to print your physical pass. No need to stand in line at the ticket windows. Walk right in!
Buy Pay For A Day Tickets
Still have questions? Email us or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 0.