Zoo Lights Volunteering!
Role Summary
Help us light up the night as part of the Zoo Lights volunteer crew!
Volunteers help make the night wonderful by providing a welcoming smile and a much needed extra set of hands. They take tickets, direct guests and introduce kids to the big guy in red!
Roles
Details and FAQs
Shift Time: 5PM-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be a current/returning volunteer from 2024
- Must be 18+
Role Summary: Carousel Captains (Current/returning volunteers, 18+): Run the carousel and make the kids' nights! Rides are included in the price of the ticket, so now's your chance to challenge the kids to see who can ride it the most times (the record is 32).
Shift Time: 5PM-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 12-17 with a parent or guardian, OR 18+
Role Summary: Live out your dreams of being an air traffic controller without the risks of a runway! Welcome guests to the carousel on busy nights and direct them to the entry doors. Assist guests exiting (especially those who may need help with wheelchairs or strollers getting through the doors) and answer questions from curious guests
Shift Time: 4:30-9PM
Requirements:
- Must be a current or returning volunteer from 2024
- Must be 18+
- Must know the zoo like the back of your hand and be comfortable walking around in it at night
- This role requires completion of an online training before Zoo Lights begins for the year
Role Summary: Event Lead (Current volunteers, 18+): We couldn't do events without our event leads! Be that first human to welcome our crew of humans helping other humans. Get volunteers started for the night, provide bathroom/warming breaks, assist guests as needed. On busy nights, Event Leads will assist in welcoming guests at the front and back gates of the Zoo. Every night expect to make rounds checking on all volunteers. This role works closely with the HVZ Operations Team.
Shift Time: 5PM-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 12-17 with a parent/guardian, OR 18+
Role Summary: We light up the Zoo, but our Greeters light up our guests' faces! Greeters make sure guests feel welcome when they get to the gate and know where to go afterwards. Scan entry tickets. Say hello to families in line. Help answer questions and direct guests as necessary.
A lot can go on at the gates, but you'll be well-supported in this role from HVZ staff and our Event Lead volunteers.
Shift Time: 5PM-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 12-17 with a parent/guardian, OR 18+
Role Summary: Wish luck to the brave souls that dare to brave the depths of our labyrinth and face the minotaur! ...Okay, there's no minotaur. But there is an incredible light maze making its appearance for the second year in a row. Welcome families, make sure they know the rules to the maze, time them if you'd like and congratulate them on a job well done when they finish.
Shift Time: 5PM-7PM
Requirements:
- Must be 18+
- Must be able to provide your own DSLR camera and HD Card/Other storage device
- This role requires completion of an online training before Zoo Lights begins for the year
Role Summary: Did you know that we only have a handful of photos from our last few years of Zoo Lights? A handful! We need skilled low-light photographers who can help us capture the story of this event. From the guests enjoying the lights to the staff hitting the ground running to the volunteers having a blast. We want to see all of it so we can really document and capture this magical event.
Shift Time: 5PM-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 12-17 with a parent/guardian, OR 18+
Role Summary: This year the big guy in red will be taking up residence in our giraffe barn to welcome hundreds of kids and families. Santa's helpers make sure the kids waiting know which doors to enter. They chat with families waiting in line. And they may occasionally help Santa keep track of time throughout the night.
This year we're excited to be hosting Mrs. Claus on select nights as well! She'll also certainly need help while she's out with the kids.
*P.S. You are not required to wear elf ears. But we won't stop you if you do. 🙂
Shift Time: 5-7:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
Role Summary: This role in Brew Lights is ideal for volunteers who enjoy bursts of intense crowds followed by a bit of down time. This role is the power behind ticket check-ins and helping guests get to their best day. This includes 15 minute training for event volunteers who have never done it before. This role is 100% outdoors in dim light and can be done seated. This role can include tickets to the last hour of the event.
Shift Time: 5:15-8:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
- Must be a currently trained volunteer in an ongoing role from 2024
Role Summary: This role in Brew Lights is multi-faceted – it is both running the carousel and venturing into the cold to draw guests into the not as cold carousel building. This role is ideal for train and carousel enthusiasts whose favorite part of the experience is watching adults embrace their inner children. This role can be done with limited mobility for those who require regular periods of sitting. This role will rotate people outside.
Shift Time: 5-7:30
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
Role Summary: This is a Brew Lights role that supports admission by setting up guests with all the supplies they need to enjoy their night. This role is ideal for someone who is able to multitask and feels comfortable with working within a team. This role is done 100% outdoors in dim light and can be done mostly while seated. This role can include tickets to the last hour of the event. Volunteers in this role may attend Brew Lights free of charge after their shift has ended.
Shift Time: 3:30-5:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
Role Summary: This role in Brew Lights is to work semi-independently with staff to execute the pre-event check-list including: helping with unloading product, running check-in supplies to the gates, assisting with sign and/or tent set-up. This role is ideal for someone who is familiar with the Zoo and is able to problem solve on the fly. This role comes with tickets to the event. Volunteers in this role may attend Brew Lights free of charge after their shift has ended.
Shift Time: 4:15-6:45PM
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
- Must be able to provide your own DSLR camera and HD Card/Other storage device
- This role requires completion of an online training beforehand
Role Summary: This role is perfect for creatively minded people with a bit of skill for documentation. Our photographers collect both candid and curated photos of the set-up and the experience of the event. This is invaluable for both the historical and creative uses we have for photos. Supplies can be included, but it can also be done using supplies from home. Experience with night photography is a HUGE plus. This role is 100% outdoors and requires some mobility, but modifications can be made as needed. This role can include tickets to the event after work is complete. Volunteers in this role may attend Brew Lights free of charge after their shift has ended.
Shift Time: 3:30-5PM
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
Role Summary: This role is a necessary component to the Brew Lights experience. This role checks our vendors in, provides parking passes, and coordinates with staff to assist getting our vendors to the right location with all of their belongings. This role is ideal for someone who is able to manage short bursts of intense activity peppered with downtime. This role is 100% outdoors and stationary. It can be done while seated. This role includes tickets to the event. Volunteers in this role may attend Brew Lights free of charge after their shift has ended.
Shift Time: 3:30-5:30PM
Requirements:
- Must be 21+
- Must be a current HVZ volunteer in an ongoing role from 2024
- Should be able to shoot the breeze and chat with guests while they're waiting for their tour to start
Role Summary: This role in Brew Lights is built for volunteers who love to share their joy for life and enthusiasm for the Zoo with like minded individuals. This role provides our VIP ticket holders with the best support the Zoo can offer – knowledgeable guides who can easily help our guests navigate the Zoo to enjoy their tours and manage their event experience without breaking a sweat. Individuals in this role should be familiar with the Zoo grounds, capable of telling a great joke, and able to manage some logistical challenges with grace. This role involves some walking and a majority of outdoor work. It can be somewhat modified for accessibility. Volunteers in this role may attend Brew Lights free of charge after their shift has ended.
All Zoo Lights volunteer roles are outdoors. Temperatures during this time of year can range anywhere from the 30's down to negative temperatures. Lights are set up throughout the zoo and close to volunteer locations. Roles require being able to maneuver in an array of dark and light spaces. Christmas music from the local radio station plays throughout the night. Guests can be in the thousands on busy nights. Volunteer shifts run 3.5-4hrs.
*If you are interested in volunteering, but are highly sensitive to light, sound and/or crowds, we suggest volunteering on either December 27th or 28th. During this time we turn off the radios for the year (as the Christmas music is done) and we see significantly less guests.Â
- Free general admission tickets for each night of Zoo Lights you work (i.e. work three nights, get three tickets)
- Free HVZ polar bear drawstring bag
- Free hot chocolate during your shift
- Access to the bi-weekly volunteer update - with animal news, volunteer opportunities & more!
- 30% Discount at the HVZ Gift Shop during Zoo Lights
- 40% Discount at the HVZ Glacier Grille during Zoo Lights
We do everything we can to ensure Zoo Lights stays open each night. However, we may call off volunteers should we be facing truly inclement weather (snow/ice storms) or dangerously low temperatures. We will text &/or call no later than 1PM the night of if we are canceling.
That being said, this is an outside opportunity. Volunteers should plan on showing off their slick Wisconsin layering skills and come dressed for functionality over fashion. Shorts, Crocs and hoodies should come with, respectively, thick leggings, thick socks and a winter jacket. We love you, but we're looking at you Gen Z-ers.
Check the role descriptions for specifics.
For New Volunteers:
- If you're between the ages of 12 and 17, then there are some roles that allow you to volunteer with a parent/guardian.
- If you're at least 18 by your first chosen date, you can volunteer on your own
For Current/Returning Volunteers:
- If you're between the ages of 12 and 17, then you will need to volunteer with a parent/guardian
- If you're at least 16, and have completed a weekly, ongoing role OR teen program with us in 2024, then you may volunteer on your own
- Those 18+ may volunteer on their own for most roles
We love that you want to get your group involved!
Zoo Lights is more set up for individuals and pairs. However, you're welcome to check out our group opportunities here closer to January/February, 2025.
Huzzah for more happy people! Have them sign up as a volunteer and that's a hardy "yes!"
Brew Lights is a one night only, 21 event where guests get to experience all the lights of Zoo Lights while sampling beer and cider from regional breweries. VIP ticket-holders have the chance to see polar bear trainings, make seasonal browse wreaths for our animals or even meet an aardvark!
Happy Birthday! Feel free to join us for next year's celebration and/or volunteer roles. In the meantime, you're more than welcome to volunteer for any of the Zoo Lights roles.
Check the role descriptions. Some volunteer roles are reserved just for current HVZ volunteers in ongoing roles.
For our current HVZ volunteers, we've reserved Carousel Crew for new volunteers for now. We know you're ready to jump in, but we want to give other people a chance to get in on the fun first.
Technology - the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems. We understand your pain. Give us a call (608-283-1612) or email us (volunteer@henryvilaszoo.gov). We're happy to help you out with any part of the volunteer process and answer any questions you have.
We also appreciate jokes.
"I had so much fun! It was a joy to see the eyes of children when they met Santa. And everyone was so helpful and supportive. I can't wait for next year!"
Jan Anderson - Incredible Zoo Lights Volunteer