The Saskatoon Zoo Society is not the zoo. We are a non-profit organization that conducts environmental education programs at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and surrounding areas.

Changes are coming for 2011. Check back for updates.

Our volunteer programs are divided into two sections:

Special Event Volunteers

These are volunteers that assist with our special events and fundraising activities.

Special Event Volunteers are assigned roles such as ticket sellers, parking attendants, food preparation and serving, activity supervisors, etc. The time commitment ranges from two to six hours per event. If you can help with an upcoming special event, give the Zoo Society a call at (306) 975-3395.

There are a wide variety of special event days throughout the year. This is a good area for someone who can come out on an occasional basis.

Farley Fox

Farley, the Forestry Farm Fox, is the Zoo Society mascot. Volunteers wear the Farley costume at events to entertain and to increase awareness of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. This position is great fun and best suited for people who enjoy entertaining children.

Education Volunteers (Docents)

Please Note: Currently, our volunteer training program is full and we are not taking applications, please check back frequently.

These are volunteers that undergo a training period to conduct educational programs such as Zoo Tours, Investigation Station interpreter, Kinsmen Children’s Zoo interpreter, and Outreach interpreter (see below for more information on these areas). This is a major volunteer commitment in terms of time and learning. Education volunteers must be available for training once a week during weekday office hours.

We ask that each education volunteer:

• attend all training sessions and be at least 16 years old;
• become a member of the Saskatoon Zoo Society;
• work a minimum of four volunteer hours per month;
• make a minimum one-year commitment, and
• purchase and wear a volunteer T-shirt ($15).

Please Note: Applying to be a Zoo Society Education Volunteer is similar to applying for a job. To apply to be an education volunteer with the Saskatoon Zoo Society, please complete the Volunteer Application Form and return it to the Zoo Society (by mail, facsimile, or email) along with a cover letter and a resume. A committee will review your application. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview to determine their final suitability for the position. Contact Cathy at (306) 975-3395 for more information.

Education Volunteers are needed for the following positions:

• Tour Guides
  Volunteers provide informative and entertaining interpretive talks on animal behaviour, natural history, conservation, and ecological concepts as they guide groups of school children or other special interest groups through the zoo, usually during school hours.
  
  
• Investigation Stations (Ask-Me Carts)
  Volunteers are strategically placed throughout the zoo with carts equipped with biofacts ("biological artifacts") pertaining to the animals. The public is encouraged to investigate the displays and ask questions about the animals. This program runs from May to September, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Ask-Me Interpreters play a key role in our Wild Weekends program.
  
  
• Kinsmen Children's Zoo and the Affinity Learning Centre
  Volunteers provide educational interpretation of the different species of animals that reside in the Children's Zoo or Discovery Centre. Volunteers provide a "hands-on" experience for children of all ages. Volunteers are required at least one Saturday or Sunday afternoon per month from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. throughout the year.
  
  
• Outreach
  Volunteers of the Outreach program take the zoo on the road to educate the public about the Saskatoon Zoo Society, the Saskatoon Zoo and its animals. This program requires volunteers who are mature, responsible, patient individuals who would enjoy giving interpretive presentations. The majority of presentations are done during the school day.
  
  

About our volunteer programs

Founded in 1976, the Saskatoon Zoo Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to stimulating interest in animals, wildlife, and environmental conservation. The Society coordinates a wide variety of educational programs at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. The success of these programs is due, in no small part, to a continually growing group of dedicated volunteers.

Other volunteers

Administrative Assistant
Volunteers are needed to assist the Society with our newsletter, stuffing and labelling envelopes, phoning, and other administrative tasks as required. We need people for data entries of zoo memberships, and for helping with fundraising.

Board of Directors
Members are needed to fill a variety of rewarding board positions within the Society. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and be prepared to commit ten volunteer hours or more per month. Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting in March of each year. (Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and a member for a minimum of six months.)

*Because we are not the zoo, we do not have volunteer positions that work directly with the animals at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.