Zoo or aquarium volunteering
Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program
Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program is a volunteer program run by Wildlife Conservation Society in Bronx, NY. Open to: ages 14 to 22.
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 22
- minimum age posted
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- Varies
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
An education volunteer program for youth at all five WCS zoos and aquarium in New York City.
Discovery Guides lead educational activities for zoo visitors, help with education programs, and support WCS conservation campaigns.
Key facts
- Run by
- Wildlife Conservation Society
- Where
- Bronx, NYBronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, New York Aquarium
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 22Youth ages 14-22
- Commitment
- Typically a spring and a summer session
- Applications
- Applications for the next cycle open in late December for Spring 2027; an interest form is available now (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Cost
- Not posted
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Discovery Guide Volunteer Program details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in New York City
- Wildlife Conservation Society and Fordham University Project TRUE
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- Grades 10 to 11
- When to apply
- Summer
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- Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
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- Grades 9 to 11
- When to apply
- December 4, 2026
- Brooklyn Public Library BKLYN BookMatch Teen
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- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- September 14 (date unconfirmed; check official page)
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Conservation Society and Fordham University Project TRUEResearch · Zoo or aquarium | Bronx, NY | Grades 10 to 11 | Summer (June-August) plus Saturdays September-December | Summer |
| ASPCA Adoption Center Youth Volunteers (ages 16-17)Volunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | New York, NY | Ages 16 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| Bideawee Summer Teen GroupVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | Westhampton, NY | Ages 13 to 17 | Select Fridays in summer for a couple of hours | Summer |
| Bideawee Teen VolunteersVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | New York, NY | Ages 13 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)Internship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Grades 9 to 11 | March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours) | December 4, 2026 |
| Brooklyn Public Library BKLYN BookMatch TeenVolunteering · Library | Brooklyn, NY | Grades 9 to 12 | Eight weekly Wednesday trainings in November and December, then 2-3 times a month through early June | September 14 (date unconfirmed; check official page) |
Pre-Vet and Animal Science opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program?
Ages 14 to 22. Youth ages 14-22
How many hours does Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program require?
Typically a spring and a summer session
When does Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program take applications?
Applications for the next cycle open in late December for Spring 2027; an interest form is available now (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/wcs-discovery-guide-volunteer-program.
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