Docents;
Adult Volunteers

Docent the Latin term for "teacher," is the title given to specially trained educational volunteers in zoos, aquariums, and museums. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Docents give tours of the zoo, answer questions from our guests, and use artifacts, biofacts, and Outreach animals to educate and engage the public. Docents receive over 70 hours of training on zoo history, animals, conservation, and ecology issues. The ten-week Docent Training class is offered twice a year. Docents must be at least 18 years old and are required to commit to a minimum of 8 hours of monthly service (or 96 hours annually) for at least one year. If you are interested please first fill out the Docent/Long Term Volunteer Application.  Once all the information and background screening is cleared Erica Clark will contact you in regards to the training dates.  For additional information please e-mail Erica Clark or contact her via phone at (813) 935-8552 x 233.

Please click here for a Docent and Long Term Volunteer application (PDF)

Animal Department
Adult Volunteers

Animal Department Volunteers work alongside our keepers in the following animal areas: Primates, Herps & Aquatics, Florida Mammals, Asian Gardens, Safari Africa and Aviary. Volunteers assist keepers in many aspects of animal husbandry, including cleaning and maintenance of animal exhibits (80% of time), diet and enrichment preparation (20% of time). Volunteers are allowed no direct animal contact. The first several times you volunteer with the department you will spend your time shadowing the Animal Care Staff. When Animal Care Staff feels comfortable with your performance they will increase your responsibility. Animal Department Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to make a six-month commitment to at least 4 hours per week. Volunteers must submit a negative TB test yearly, and proof of tetanus shot within the last 5 years. Volunteers are accepted on an as-needed basis. If you are interested please first fill out the Docent/Long Term Volunteer Application. Once all the information and background screening is cleared Erica Clark will contact you in regards to your start date and will give you an orientation of the Zoo.  
For additional information please e-mail Erica Clark or contact her via phone at (813) 935-8552 x 233.

Please click here for a Docent and Long Term Volunteer application (PDF)

Summer Camp Interns
Summer Camp Interns help by assisting teachers with camps, helping children with crafts and activities, supervising lunches, assisting with animal enrichments, and visiting the zoo for Zoo hikes, keeper talks and much more! Your time spent with assisting our camp teachers will be very fun, as well as educational. Summer Camp Interns must be reliable, hard working and possess strong leadership skills. Summer Camp Interns must be 15 years old or older to participate. If you are interested, please e-mail Erica Clark or contact her via phone at 813-935-8552 x233.