Zoo Lights volunteer spots are now full
Thank you so much for your interest in Zoo Lights volunteering.
Although the shifts are full for the year, we often have volunteers drop due to schedule changes, last minute plans, etc. You can get on the volunteer email list here to get bi-weekly updates and notices when Zoo Lights spots open up.
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. 🙂
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!"
"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