Trevor Zoo Volunteer Program
The Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School offers a volunteer-based learning experience for individuals who are energetic, willing to work hard, and enjoy caring for animals. Volunteers will be involved in various aspects of zoo work depending upon age and experience. (See program descriptions below.) Activities may include food preparation, cleaning of exhibits, helping to provide behavioral enrichment for the animals, and providing information for visitors. Volunteers will be trained and supervised by full-time zoo staff for each task they perform.
There is a large demand for all of our programs. Unfortunately, we do not have a large enough staff to be able to work with everyone who is interested. While we do not want to limit interest in the natural world or for working with wildlife, we must have some guidelines to keep our volunteer program manageable.
There is a large demand for all of our programs. Unfortunately, we do not have a large enough staff to be able to work with everyone who is interested. While we do not want to limit interest in the natural world or for working with wildlife, we must have some guidelines to keep our volunteer program manageable.
- Volunteers must show proof of insurance for any medical emergencies which might occur.
- Volunteers must be willing to undergo proper safety training including but not limited to human emergencies, animal escapes, fire emergencies and weather emergencies.
- Working safely with animals in a zoo setting requires careful attention to detail, following directions exactly, and being an excellent role model for other volunteers and visitors.
- Volunteers may be subject to an evaluation during their time at the Trevor Zoo. Any volunteer who cannot act in a consistently responsible and mature manner will be asked to leave the program.
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Summer Student Program (7-12 graders)
This volunteer opportunity is geared toward students in high school (13-year-olds thru senior year of high school). There is a high demand for this program and we can only accommodate 50 students. Our selection process follows this order of priority: returning students, oldest new students, then youngest new students. All participants, whether accepted or not, need to submit a new application each year.- The program runs for July and August. Participants will be notified of exact weeks when the schedule is sent out in June.
- Participants must be available for a three-hour block of time (9:00-12:00) or (1:00-4:00).
- Although you can be flexible in choosing days of the week and scheduling around summer vacations, we would like a commitment of approximately 10 sessions during the program.
- If admitted to the program, there is a $300 non-refundable program fee payable to the Trevor Zoo. This fee includes a Trevor Zoo volunteer t-shirt, which must be worn during the program. Financial assistance is available. Please contact us for more information.
- The application for the student program can be downloaded by clicking the application link on the right side of this page. You will receive information regarding acceptance by May 1st.
- Participants will pay administration fees during the meeting in June; participants may only sign up for time slots after the fee is paid.
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College Semester Volunteers
Some participating colleges allow field work or credit hours for volunteering at the Trevor Zoo. This Animal Husbandry Program is an opportunity open to students who attend college within 45 minutes of the Trevor Zoo. You must have your own transportation to commute to the zoo each session. We ask that you dedicate at least 40 hours a semester. Current participating colleges are Vassar, Marist, Bard, and SUNY Ulster. If interested, please send a letter of interest and resume to Director of Programs, Jessica Bennett at the Trevor Zoo. -
Adult Volunteers
All interested adult volunteers should submit a letter of interest and resume to the Trevor Zoo’s Director of Programs, Jessica Bennett. Depending on the zoo’s volunteer openings, an interview will be set up to discuss the applicant’s objectives, work experience, and what opportunities may be available.
Summer Volunteer Program
Starting January 2024 we will begin accepting applications for our Summer Student Program.
Click here to complete the application and submit.
Click here to complete the application and submit.
