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Volunteer Opportunities for Adults

If you have a passion for animals and the environment, and enjoy being around people who share your passion, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s volunteer program may just be right for you!  Volunteers are critical to achieving our mission and are an indispensable part of the Zoo team; their enriching interactions with Zoo visitors, along with their endless enthusiasm, dedication and support are priceless.

Questions? Contact the Volunteer Management Office at Volunteer@rwpzoo.org or call (401) 785-3510 ext 356.

Zoo Docent (Age 18+)

Applications for 2024 are closed.

If you would like to stay in touch about this program for 2025 or to hear about other opportunities in 2024, please register to our email contact list here.


Play Partner (Ages 16+)

Applications for our 2024 Play Partners Program are now open! The deadline is now extended to February 26, 2024.

Play Partner volunteers facilitate and support children’s free play at Hasbro’s Big Backyard at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. In this space, Play Partners help families create memories through outdoor play experiences that connect them to the natural world. While this position doesn’t work with the handling or care of animals – the Big Backyard is home to animal exhibits including honey bees, ravens, and the natural wildlife of the neighboring wetlands in addition to outdoor play areas. 

This volunteer opportunity is a great way to grow skills and experience with play-based early childhood education, and to explore the introduction of environmental education at the developmental level with infants through elementary ages.

Interested in applying for the Play Partners program? Fill out this application.


Horticulture Volunteer (Age 18+)

Applications are not open at this time. 

A Horticulture Volunteer is primarily responsible for helping maintain and grow the beautiful gardens and grounds of the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Volunteers will work directly with the Horticulture Department to plant, water, rack and prune all while learning about diverse plant species and the practices of landscaping. 

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