Join our volunteers
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 a volunteer at RZSS
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 below 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!
Find out more about volunteering with RZSS at an upcoming information session.
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.
Nature connections is currently active at Edinburgh Zoo.
Available roles
We currently have no volunteer roles available.
Please check back at a later date or contact volunteer@rzss.org.uk for more information.
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