Meet some of our Enrichment Team members: Front row: Khris, Art, Kristen; Second row: Deb, Barbara, Ann, Jean, Evelyn, Arla; Third row: Kimi, Mike, Janet
Volunteering at the Zoo
Our zoo is what it is today with the help of our dedicated volunteers. Whether helping with guests, events, or animals, our volunteers make every day a little better at the zoo.
If you have a genuine interest in animals and their well-being, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, our Volunteer Programs are for you.
If you’d like to read more about volunteering at the zoo, you can click here.
Enrichment Program
To join the Animal Enrichment Team, you need to be available most Wednesdays from Noon until 2PM. You must enjoy animals and have some experience with working with animals. Sound like something you might like? Contact us! volunteer@hilozoo.org
Enrichment is about adding items or activities that are not part of the “routine” of an animal. The program focuses on getting the animals up and active, stimulating natural behaviors that you would see out in nature, stretching their cognitive abilities, and simply giving the animals something new and fun to do! It is extremely beneficial for the livelihood and well-being of animals and contributes to longer, happier lives.
Volunteers with special skills
Friends of the zoo is always looking for volunteers who have special skills, such as Facebook, Instagram, outreach, fund raising, and technical skills. FOZ is also looking for new board members. If you would like to volunteer your time and have some of the above skills and interests, please contact us.
For more information on the volunteer programs:
volunteer@hilozoo.org
Work in the Gift Shop
Do you want to give back to the community, but don’t want to get dirty? The gift shop at the zoo needs you. Interact with visitors, help out with stocking and beautifying the shop, and handling transactions. You can help with your time even if it’s not on a regular basis or a full shift. Come on, it’s fun.
Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo is every Saturday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Children can be up close and personal with animals in a safe learning environment. Since the Petting Zoo requires working with children, there is a screening process that must take place before you start this volunteer position. Interested persons may fill out a form at the Pana’ewa Zoo Gift Shop. Or contact us at: volunteer@hilozoo.org
Special Event Volunteers
FOZ (Friends of the Zoo) can always use volunteers during our events if you aren’t available at consistent times. Our Plant Sale and Tiger Fun Day are two such events where help is needed.
We also aid the Hawaii Horse Owners Association during President’s Day Weekend when we help them collect tickets for their Annual Pana’ewa Stampede Rodeo. In exchange, they help us by shuttling people from the Equestrian Center parking lot where overflow parking is provided during our major events. volunteer@hilozoo.org
Docent Volunteers
When the County of Hawaii is able to fund an Education Specialist for the zoo, FOZ assists with the training of volunteer docents for zoo tours. However, that position has not been funded by the County for several years.