Animal Welfare

Wildlife Protection

The NSW Wildlife Council is a state-wide council of animal rescue and rehabilitation organisations. See the list of member organisations such as WIRES (Wildlife Information and Rescue Service), Friends of the Koala, Whale Rescue ORRCA and many other regional and local groups.

RSPCA

RSPCA NSW is an independent, non-government, community-based charity and volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA movement.

Volunteers assist in most areas of the RSPCA’s operations, including caring for animals, and working in shops, branches and administration. Many more help out with special events, fundraising and promotions that take place throughout the year. They also help in animal rescues, such as during bushfires and floods.

NSW Zoos

Taronga and Dubbo Zoos have three different ways of volunteering that require different levels of experience and commitment.

Youth volunteering
Taronga and Dubbo Zoos have a youth volunteer program for 13 to 19 year olds to volunteer their time in a range of activities from assisting keepers and fundraising events to taking part in the annual Youth at the Zoo Eco Fair.

Zoo Friends
Members of the community who join up to be Zoo Friends with either the Taronga or Dubbo Zoos can become volunteers at the zoos. Volunteers can work as information or education officers, guides, office workers or animal watchers (undertaking basic behavioural research). Orientation and training courses are held for new volunteers, who must be at least 18 years of age. A reasonable level of fitness is required and uniforms are provided.

Volunteer Keeper Program
Taronga Zoo also has an intensive Volunteer Keeper Program. The Zoo offers experience as an animal keeper for volunteers interested in making Zoo Keeping a career.  Volunteer Keepers assist keepers with general keeping duties including cleaning of exhibits and food preparation. The program is very popular and has a limited number of available positions each year.

Taronga Zoo Bushland Regeneration Volunteers - Taronga Zoo also has a bushland regeneration volunteer group. Follow the link above for details and look under the ‘jobs at the zoo’ section.