Volunteer programmes with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) play a huge role in helping us connect people with nature and protect threatened species in Scotland and around the world. Whether you are helping us with visitor engagement, education, or gardens, RZSS volunteers make an impact every day.
If you are looking for an incredibly rewarding opportunity, you have come to the right place!
What it takes to be an RZSS volunteer
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland volunteer programme requires interested individuals to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate commitment to the highest standards of customer service
- Have enthusiasm for people, animals and conservation
- Commit to the volunteer programme for a minimum of 70 hours per year and work either weekly or fortnightly. (We make some exceptions for student volunteers)
- Attend volunteer induction and complete all required online training and shadowing hours
- Have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation
- Complete a Disclosure Scotland background check
Please note that volunteers are not involved in the direct care of animals or any hands-on animal care work.
RZSS volunteers are an important part of making Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park extra special for all visitors! Check out our available roles to see if serving at the zoo is the right fit for you. If you have any other questions about the programme, you can email our volunteering team at volunteer@rzss.org.uk.
Together, we can create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved!
Highland Wildlife Park Biodiversity Volunteer
Our new Biodiversity Volunteer role based in the Speyside area will involve surveying for blood-red longhorn beetles as part of a citizen science project.
Volunteers must be able to attend a training day at Highland Wildlife Park on Saturday 4 May and must be confident working alone in the outdoors.
Download our role profile for more information.
Nature Connections
Nature Connections is volunteering reimagined! Through this programme, RZSS allows individuals to access volunteering opportunities in a group setting to build confidence and give the foundations for future success in the traditional volunteering scheme. This is a great group for anyone who has not volunteered with us/or at all before, is a little more nervous about speaking with visitors, or just feels that they’d like additional support until they get to know the zoo or park. If you are interested in participating in Nature Connections, please fill out an application form and indicate “Nature Connections” as your preference! We welcome volunteers of all abilities and needs to apply. Currently active at Edinburgh Zoo!
Click here to learn more and apply for any of our volunteer roles!
Group Volunteering
We do not currently have a group volunteering programme at RZSS. If you’re looking for other activities for your group to do, please contact community@rzss.org.uk