Celebrate the Holidays at Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo!

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Help ring in the holidays at Christmas at the Zoo! Volunteer opportunities are now available for this treasured family-friendly event. Christmas at the Zoo runs seven nights per week from Nov. 20-Dec. 30 (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)! Activities run 5-9pm and are open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Volunteer opportunities are available each night of the event!

Volunteer opportunities include:
* Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Assistant: Encourage guests to participate in a cookie decorating activity with Mrs. Claus. Welcome guests into Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, assist with traffic flow and help keep space tidy.

* Santa’s Barn Host: Welcome guests to Santa’s Barn by providing an engaging area to see Santa’s reindeer and sleigh. Monitor one-way-in and one-way-out flow of guests through the space. Provide a safe experience by ensuring guests are not climbing on Santa’s sleigh. Please dress to be outdoors.

* Santa’s Study Assistant: Ensure guests have a memorable experience with Santa. Limit entry to one group at a time. Request guests to leave strollers outside. Monitor groups inside to ensure efficiency through the line. Encourage guests to purchase their photos with Santa at the kiosk outside in Santa’s Village. Help answer questions about visiting Santa.

* Floater - Santa’s Village: Oversee Santa’s Village activities (Santa’s Study, Santa’s Barn or Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen). Assist volunteers with breaks in these areas when needed. Answer any questions from guests when not providing breaks.

* Campfire Monitor: Monitor the bonfire in a bonfire pit. Ensure a safe experience by keeping the fire at a safe level and knowing the locations of the firewood and extinguishers. All volunteers in this assignment must be at least 18 years of age. Long-term regular Zoo volunteers preferred.

*Please note: For all volunteer assignments, please ensure guest and animal safety.

Shift times vary based on the day of the week and other event needs. Most shifts are from 4:30-9pm Sunday-Thursday and 4:30-7:30pm or 7-10pm Friday-Saturday.

Volunteer attire for the event is a Zoo volunteer uniform or a solid-color shirt and khaki or black pants. Most areas are outdoors, so please dress weather appropriate - warm and comfortable shoes or boots, layered clothing and warm accessories like hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and even hand-warmers. All Volunteers will be given a Christmas at the Zoo-specific lanyard to wear and return at the end of their shift. Please be prepared to complete tasks outdoors in all weather conditions and follow appropriate social distancing measures.

Volunteers will receive a voucher for a complimentary hot beverage and two Zoo admission tickets to be used for a future visit-or as a holiday gift!

Next Steps:
* All Christmas at the Zoo volunteer shifts are available to individuals including small groups ages 16 and older.
* To join our event, volunteers will be asked to complete an online registration form and submit a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record before you can sign up for shifts. Please complete an event registration here: http://bttr.im/zlzii
* For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 317-630-2041 or email volunteer@indyzoo.com