Volunteer / Docent Opportunities

During these uncertain times of COVID 19 restrictions, including their effects on CALM operations, the use and training of volunteers is suspended. Please check back, as we will update this site when we are once again able to work with our dedicated volunteers. Thank you for your understanding.

Volunteer Opportunities

CALM is always in need of volunteers in areas of individual interest and facility needs. CALM volunteers perform daily routine chores, which enable staff to complete more complex tasks or projects. CALM volunteers may assist animal keepers, assist the maintenance staff or educate the visiting public. Group volunteer events are also available.
For your safety, ALL volunteers must wear long pants (jeans are best) and closed-in shoes. No shorts, capris, ¾ length pants, workout/yoga pants/spandex, flip-flops or sandals will be allowed. All volunteers ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Animal Keeper Assistant

Animal keeper volunteers will work alongside animal keeper staff performing daily cleaning and animal care duties. Minimum time requirement: 2 hours. Minimum age requirement: 13 years and older. To schedule a time to volunteer, please call 872-2256.

Maintenance Assistant

Volunteers assist our grounds, maintenance, and custodial staff in a wide variety of jobs. Planned jobs (construction or general repairs) may need to be put off due to daily emergencies (broken water lines). No skills are required, but a willingness to work hard and be flexible is a must. Minimum age requirement: 16 years old. To schedule a time to volunteer, please call 872-2256.

Special Events

Volunteers are needed for special events including our Spring Fling, CALM’s Birthday Bash, Ice Cream Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo and HolidayLights at CALM (just to name a few). Contact Lana Fain at 871-1822.

CALM Docent Program

The word “docent” (doe-cent) comes from the Latin meaning to teach. Docents are volunteer “teachers” who educate school children and general visitors about California wildlife and their habitats. CALM offers two docent opportunities — a CALM Docent and a Bio-fact Docent. Completion of a 7 week training course is required. The course is designed to prepare you to use the zoo’s materials, animals and methods to conduct educational presentations, guided tours, animal enrichment, research, and touch yard experiences.

CALM Docent Program

Open to ages 18 and older. As a CALM representatives handling wildlife, you will receive training in handling, presenting, classification, conservation issues and participation in the CALM Animal Enrichment Program, Children’s Park touch yard operation and handling of a variety of CALM’s trained wildlife ambassadors in a public setting. Following graduation, you will be required to perform as a docent at minimum 4 hours each month for two years.
For more information, please download the application or call 872-2256

Bio-fact Docents

Open to ages 15 and older (limited animal handling is conducted by Bio-fact Docents). Upon completion of training, there is a one-year requirement to perform at the zoo as a Bio-fact docent for a minimum of 4 hours each month.
For more information, please download the application or call 872-2256