Volunteers (Age 12 and older)
Find out how you can make a difference! At our bi-weekly orientations, learn the ways in which you can get involved and share your talents with the Zoo. We provide general information about the Zoo and specific information about volunteer jobs. The orientation is followed by a guided tour of Safari’s Sanctuary. Orientations are held at 9am, at the upper level barnyard section of Safari’s, lasting approximately 1-1/2 hours. Please call or email Safari’s to confirm the next orientation date.

Volunteers are asked to make a 2-month, twice/month minimum commitment to the Zoo. FREE on-the-job training is provided. All volunteers are required to have a current tetanus inoculation. And must purchase a Safari’s tee shirt.

In what department would you like to volunteer?

      • You can get down and really dirty helping the keepers care for our animals in the Animal Management Department.
      • Share your love of nature with visitors, work giving Guided Tours or bring nature to the public with ZooMobile by working in the Education Department.
      • Help to spread the word about Safari’s Sanctuary with the Marketing Department.
      • Keep the Zoo looking good with the Grounds Department.

Or a combination of the above!

Safari’s Sanctuary 918-357-LOVE (5683) for the love of the animals!

Or just email us!

Docents (Age 18 and older)
Docents are knowledgeable, trained ambassadors for the Zoo. They share their passion for the Zoo and its animals with families, school groups, and the community. If you want to learn more about the animals and share that information with others, why not train to be a docent?

A hands-on training program ensures that Safari’s docents have the knowledge and experience to understand the behavior of our animals and the workings of the Zoo itself. Training begins at the 1st of each month. You'll learn about a variety of animal species, the native and personal history of our rescued wildlife, and how each of us can help to save the planet by altering our daily routines in order to conserve natural resources. You'll learn the art of touring the Zoo with visitors, the purpose and techniques of observation and interaction with our animals. And how you can make a real difference to captive, wild animals.

Docent training classes are given by appointment. Safari’s Sanctuary staff and docents teach the classes. If you're up for a challenge - and a good time! – call or email Safari’s for scheduling.

Safari’s Sanctuary 918-357-LOVE (5683) for the love of the animals!

Or just email us!

Community Service (Age 12 and older)
Need to perform some COMMUNITY SERVICE hours?  We accept persons over the age of 12 years old.

Duties consist of cleaning barnyard/non-aggressive animal cages, and empty cages; Raking / bagging leaves and animal waste. Changing waters, scrubbing pans/buckets. Mowing, weedeating. Simple repair and building projects. Sweeping and mopping. Cleaning food prep areas. Picking up trash.

We DO NOT accept persons for Drug Related, or Child / Animal Abuse offenses.

      • Initial sign-up must fill out paperwork. Bring I.D., court papers, a/o parent(s)-if minor.
      • Must work a minimum of 4 hours per day for credit.
      • Plan to get dirty.
      • Wear appropriate clothes.
      • Full toe shoes a requirement for your safety.
      • Helpful to bring work gloves.
      • Bring food/beverage if plan to work all day.

Safari’s Sanctuary 918-357-LOVE (5683) for the love of the animals!

Or just email us!

Internships (for college students)
If you’re a student or a recent graduate, volunteer internships are available. Internships are unpaid positions and housing is the responsibility of the intern. But the experience and knowledge you will acquire during the internship is priceless! If you’re willing to spend three days a week among the birds and beasts for minimum of 2 months, this may be the program you’ve been waiting for! The emphasis is on enrichment for the animals, but interns tell us their lives were enriched as well.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Safari’s Sanctuary, contact

Safari’s Sanctuary 918-357-LOVE (5683) for the love of the animals!

Or just email us!

Apprenticeships (for graduates)
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. There are lots of people who find themselves wishing they had chosen a career working with animals, but think it's too late or they don't have the proper scientific background. Don't despair! Our newly-developed Apprenticeship program can help you make your dream come true! Designed for adults who are thinking of changing careers, but who don't have a degree in zoology or biology, and for high school graduates who plan to take time off before going to college or pursuing a career, this program will help to fill in the gaps in your knowledge of animal behavior and let you see if a career with animals is for you. Our staff will provide you with a background in basic animal biology and natural history, while teaching you what being a zookeeper is all about. Apprentices must be able to spend 3-5 days a week in training at the Zoo, for a minimum of 2 months.

We are not able to provide housing or pay to Zoo Apprentices.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Safari’s Sanctuary, contact

Safari’s Sanctuary 918-357-LOVE (5683) for the love of the animals!

Or just email us!

Job Shadowing (for students 12 and up)
You wanna know what it is really like to be a zookeeper? We allow job shadowing by appointment. Follow the trained staff for 1 morning from 8am to 12 noon, throughout their daily routine. Help with cleaning, feeding, care and interaction with many of the exotic and some endangered wildlife at Safari’s.

      • Plan to get dirty.
      • Wear appropriate clothes.
      • Full toe shoes a requirement for your safety.
      • Helpful to bring work gloves.
      • Might bring beverage for break (pop machine avail. .75/can).

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Safari’s Sanctuary, contact

Safari’s Sanctuary 918-357-LOVE (5683) for the love of the animals!

Or just email us!