At Bristol Zoological Society, we engage with over 230 volunteers a year. Our volunteers help us in our mission to Save 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.
Some of the departments that our volunteers support are:
Public Engagement
Animal Keeper
Conservation Science
Landscapes
Development
Marketing
Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project
We don’t have any volunteer opportunities available currently.
We will be recruiting for more Engagement Volunteers after Easter to support our Public Engagement team over the summer.
Watch this space!
If you have any questions, please contact volunteers@bzsociety.org.uk.
Most of our teams that work with volunteers look to take on more in the early spring ready for our busy summer season so keep an eye on our website and social media around this time for opportunities!
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
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 Animal team.
We are introducing a youth volunteering programme to run over the the Summer months but the minimum age for this will be 16 so will only be suitable for young people starting the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
