Give Time
Volunteer
Volunteers are incredible people and a key part of our crew, helping create incredible memories for our visitors every day. We are so grateful to have such an incredible community of people supporting the Park, and would love you to join us.
By volunteering you’ll play an important role in helping people connect with wildlife and conservation by sharing stories, supporting animal care, or helping to create the moments that turn a day out into a core memory.
Hands on, or chat on we have a range of roles to suit those looking for a volunteer role that is varied, active, and rewarding. It’s about being part of something bigger for wildlife, for people, and the Park so it is here for future generations.
We have a range of volunteer roles available and full training is provided.
Visitor Hosts (18yrs +)
Shuttle Driver
You’ll drive our electric shuttle around the park, sharing an engaging commentary along the way to help make every loop legendary. It’s part transport, part tour, and part storytelling. Helping visitors relax, learn, and making the Park more accessible to all.
Walkabout Guide
Become one of the friendly faces of Orana. Providing key information to our visitors by sharing stories, answering questions, and bringing the zoo to life as you walk from one animal talk to the next, helping to inspire and enthuse along the way.
Spot Guide
Are you passionate about a particular animal we have at the park? Become the go to person in your patch of the park. Spot Guides specialise in key areas, welcoming questions, offering insights and helping visitors slow down and really notice what’s around them.
Field Team (16yrs +)
Domestic Animal Assistant
Curious about working with animals? This role is perfect for those considering a career with animals and need to gain some experience. You’ll support our Animal Keepers in the Farmyard, helping with cleaning, enclosure care, and daily routines. You’ll also assist Visitor Hosts at key feeds and lend a hand when needed. This is a great way to learn, build confidence, and see what animal care is really like.
Grounds
If you enjoy working outdoors and want to help keep the Park feeling calm, cared for and welcoming, our grounds volunteers is the place for you. From sweeping paths and gardening to window cleaning and tidying shared spaces, the Grounds Team look after the little details that shape every visitor’s experience.
Volunteer Days
One Off Volunteering
Orana Wildlife Park is a large spacious environment that needs a lot of care. We regularly schedule volunteer days to assist with giving parts of the Park a makeover. This option is great for those wanting a short-term commitment that makes a big difference. Sweep, scrub, weed and more to help tidy areas of the Park. Our volunteer days help to keep our space looking and feeling great. Register your interest for future volunteer days, or register for the next available date.
Sorry there are no upcoming volunteer days. Check back as we hold them regularly throughout the year.
Corporate Volunteering
Make a wild impact with your work crew with a volunteer day at Orana! We’ve got a big place, with big jobs but with many hands you can help make light work of it.
Get in touch with our team to plan a day that’ll do good now, and into the future.
Team Spotlight
Phil
Shuttle Driver
After 48 years of working indoors, Phil was ready for a new kind of challenge in retirement – one that involved sunshine, storytelling, and a little adventure. “I saw an advert for shuttle drivers at Orana and thought, wow, that’s me!” he recalls. “Now, I spend Wednesdays driving people around the Park, chatting about Reggie the tiger, our gentle giraffes and cheeky kea. I also help at the farmyard feed. It’s the perfect role for someone who loves talking to people!” But for Phil, it’s about more than animals. “I’ve learned so much about wildlife and conservation, and I’ve built new friendships. It’s kept me active – physically and mentally.”
Team Spotlight
Rivers
Guide
Introducing Rivers – a busy scientist, student and sports coach who volunteers to find balance. “I wanted an escape from my everyday life of studying and working. I’ve loved Orana since I was a kid, so it felt like the perfect place to give my time and free my mind.” Now, she spends a day each fortnight guiding visitors between animal presentations and sharing her passion for conservation. “Helping people see how they can make a difference really motivates me. I love connecting with visitors, other volunteers and, of course, the animals. It’s the perfect break away from my routine.”