Want work at Hamilton Zoo?
The roles here at Hamilton Zoo are varied and diverse – from zoo keepers and administrators, through to veterinarians and educators! All zoo vacancies can be found on the Hamilton City Council website.
To become a zoo keeper, it's important to get plenty of experience working with animals, whether in zoos or other settings like wildlife conservation. You should love animals, be dedicated, and physically fit. You'll be working outdoors in all kinds of weather, so it's crucial to be practical and observant. Good communication skills and the ability to connect with both people and animals are also very helpful.
Become a Volunteer at Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct
Our family of volunteers provides vital support services for the zoo staff. They make our visitors feel welcome and assist them in several ways, whether it's talking to them about the animals, giving walking tours, assisting keepers or other zoo staff with animal observations, cleaning, or gardening.
Applicants MUST be over 18 years of age, people orientated, with effective communication skills, reasonably fit, and have your own independent means of transport.
We ask that all prospective hosts commit to helping out at least two days per month, between the hours of 10am and 3pm. We also ask for a minimum commitment of six months. Zoo Host intakes happen annually. Prospective volunteers are interviewed and, if accepted, take part in an orientation day to familiarise all new volunteers with aspects of the zoo. Applications from people from all walks of life are always welcome.
For more information, please contact the volunteers.
Corporate Volunteering
Volunteering at Hamilton Zoo is a great way for you and your colleagues to contribute to your community.
It is also an ideal team building exercise - great for re-energising employees and increasing morale.
Help is always appreciated with outdoor tasks such as:
- Spreading bark
- Mulch
- Weeding
- Planting
- Painting
Contact us for more information on corporate volunteering at Hamilton Zoo.
The Giving Tree
We have a very generous community who are always keen to donate items that we might need here at the Zoo. We receive many calls and emails, so here is a helpful guide outlining what we need.
Please contact us if you would like to make a donation so our team can advise whether we can accept it at the time. Items can be dropped at reception (if small amounts) or let us know in advance if you have items that requires drop off or our team to come around and cut/collect it.
Message us on Facebook or Instagram with details or email us at zooinfo@hcc.govt.nz with 'The Giving Tree' in the subject line.
What can I donate?
Fresh guava
Pinecones
Banana plants
Sugarcane
Herbs
Whole nuts in shells (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamias)
Plants (bromeliads, agaves, browse species, trees)
Vines e.g. supplejack (but please don't cut any in the forest as it is protected)
Plumbing joins, especially 100mm elbow joins
Clean ice cream containers (ideally with lids)
Natural or synthetic sisal/manila rope (6mm-20mm thickness)
Untreated plywood
Railway sleepers
Turf lawn
Boomer balls
Solar powered pump (ideally submersible)
Bicycle wheels