Knoxville Zoo has several volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas for those with a passion and love for animals. Knoxville Zoo’s annual Volunteer Fair will be held Saturday, Feb 11, from 1-3 p.m. in the Zoo Conference Center.

Those interested in volunteering at the zoo are invited to attend anytime during the fair. Participants can check in at the Fort Sanders Ranger Station located at the zoo’s front entrance for directions. Zoo staff and current volunteers will be available for questions and comments throughout the fair. Zoo volunteers perform multiple tasks such as assisting with educational programs, working with zookeepers, exhibit interpretations, outreach programs, and special events. There are more than 100 volunteers who assist at the zoo on a regular basis, contributing more than 14,500 hours annually to assist with zoo operations. Volunteers receive many benefits including discounts at zoo food and retail venues and behind-the-scene orientations of exhibits. Participants must be at least 14 years of age or older and a member of the zoo. There is a training fee, which includes a volunteer manual and shirt. Adults must attend a four-day training course. Youth training is a multi-step process that will be discussed at the Volunteer Fair. For further information on the Volunteer Program, please contact Linda Galyon, volunteer coordinator, at 865.637.5331 ext. 374 or e-mail [email protected]. For those interested in employment possibilities, the zoo will also host a job fair on Feb. 18 to hire staff for the upcoming season. Knoxville Zoo is located off exit 392 from Interstate 40 and is open every day except Christmas Day. The zoo is nationally accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m.