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Wildlife Reserves Singapore Group
Volunteer

Volunteer

By joining us as a volunteer, you’ll play an important role in educating and engaging our park visitors on wildlife conservation.

In this video, watch as volunteers across our parks reflect on their time in the programme.

Public

Docent
Docents are stationed at various locations in our parks to interact with guests so that the latter can enjoy meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences. Through sharing of interesting animal facts, stories and anecdotes, docents help to engage and inspire our guests to care for wildlife.

Docent

Singapore Zoo, River Safari or Jurong Bird Park
For 21 years old and above
 
Pre-requisites
  • Deep interest in nature and wildlife
  • Keen interest in engaging guests on wildlife conservation
Recruitment
  • Twice yearly, April and September
  • Interview and selection process
Training
  • 8-week training programme, usually on weekends
  • The training is divided into two phases:

    • Common phase - induction for trainee docents to understand the WRS vision, mission, core values, strategic thrusts and the unique offerings of its four parks.
    • Station-based training - at the end of the common phase training, trainee docents select the station of their choice and if successful, proceeds to understudy the existing docents at the selected station
*Training Fee S$ 150
*Volunteers who fulfil at least 30 volunteering hours in a year will enjoy waiver of training fee
Commitment: Monthly volunteer duty for at least a year after the training
Register
Conservation ambassadors are youth volunteers who take on the role as guides at our parks. They promote conservation awareness while providing meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences for guests.

Conservation ambassadors

Singapore Zoo, River Safari or Jurong Bird Park
For 15 - 21 years old
 
Pre-requisites
  • Deep interest in nature and wildlife
  • Keen interest in engaging guests on wildlife conservation
Recruitment
  • 2 times a year for each park
Training
  • 2 full-day training, usually on consecutive Saturdays or Sundays
  • Evaluation on the second day of training
*Training Fee S$ 25
*Volunteers who fulfil at least 30 volunteering hours in a year will enjoy waiver of training fee
Commitment: Monthly volunteer duty for at least 6 months after the training and evaluation
Register
Keeper Volunteer
This programme offers volunteers with a keen interest in zookeeping an opportunity to experience the work that goes into animal care. By assisting our keepers in their daily tasks volunteer keepers gain insights into the best wildlife husbandry practices and contribute to animal care at Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS).


Applicants may choose to volunteer with any of the following teams:

  • Avian
  • Aquatic
  • Carnivore, Small mammals, and Marsupials
  • Domestic Animals
  • Herbivores
  • Fragile Forest
  • Primates
  • Reptiles

1.0 Pre-requisites
 
Applicants must:
 
  • Be 18 years old and above
  • Have prior experience in husbandry work or an existing Docent/Conservation Ambassador who has volunteered for at least 24 hours with us
  • Able to commit 5 days a week for at least 4 weeks or weekly for at least 1 year
Note: International applicants must be eligible to apply for Work Holiday Pass (WHP) or Training Employment Pass (TEP). Refer to Ministry of Manpower website for more information.
 
1.1 Responsibilities
 
  • Clean and maintain exhibit areas and animal dens
  • Prepare daily feeding for animals
  • Record observations of enrichment conducted by keepers
  • Observe and assist keepers during commentary/guest engagement/token feeding sessions
The above are the generic duties for a Volunteer Keeper. Click here to find out more about the specific responsibilities for the respective Zoology team.
 
1.2 Application Period
 
Application is opened from 1 January to 28 February each year.  If the available placements are not taken up, we will open a second application period from 1 July to 31 August. Please apply one year in advance of your intended volunteer period.
 
Refer to availability of positions for 2021 here.
 
1.3 To apply
 
  • Prepare a cover letter & recommendation from relevant organizations indicating prior husbandry experience. Docent/Conservation Ambassador with no prior husbandry experience to include record of volunteer hours with WRS
  • Submit application form and relevant documents online here
Shortlisted applicants will be notified for an interview two months after the application closes.
 
1.4 Application Fees
 
Applicants who passed the interview will submit a non-refundable fee to proceed with the application.
 
  • For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, Work Holiday Pass Applicants: S$150.00
For Training Employment Pass Holders: S$530.00 *
 
  • First payment for processing of application: S$250
  • Second payment of S$280, payable only upon approval of the Training Employment Pass by MOM 
1.5 Vaccination requirement
 
Successful applicants will be required to take the following vaccinations:
 
  • Influenza
  • Tetanus
  • Rabies
If you have taken these vaccinations before, please ensure that they are still valid at the time of your volunteer period.
F.A.Q
Veterinary Volunteer
This programme offers volunteers with a keen interest in wildlife medicine an opportunity to observe and participate in selected clinical procedures under supervision. At the end of the programme, volunteers will gain insights into different aspects of avian, and zoological medicine under the guidance of our veterinary team. 

1.1. Pre-requisites

Applicants must

  • Be in a final year student of veterinary medicine course at the time of volunteer placement
  • Be able to commit either 4 or 8 weeks
  • International applicants must be eligible to apply for Work Holiday Pass (WHP) or Training Employment Pass (TEP). Refer to the Ministry of Manpower website for more information.
1.2. Responsibilities
  • Record observed cases using standardised formatInterpret diagnostic tests (e.g. radiographs, hematology, biochemistry)
  • Monitor restraint episodes and record pertinent information such as anesthetic and physiologic parameters
  • Assist veterinary nurses with routine treatments and other assigned tasks
  • Prepare for upcoming procedures including medical record review and independent reading on unfamiliar species and techniques
  • Complete reading assignments
  • Complete a research project and present findings to the hospital and/or husbandry staff
1.3. Application Fees 
 
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, Work Holiday Pass Applicants: S$150.00 
 
For Training Employment Pass Holders: S$530.00*
  • *First payment for processing of application: S$250
  • Second payment of S$280, payable only upon approval of the Training Employment Pass by MOM
Note: Application fees paid are non-refundable.
 
1.4. Application Period
 
Application is opened from 1 January to 28 February each year.  If the available placements are not taken up, we will open a second application period from 1 July to 31 August.  Please apply one year in advance of your intended placement.
 
Refer to the availability of placements for 2021 and 2022 here.
 
1.5. To apply
 
  • Prepare a cover letter & recommendation letter from your veterinary university.
  • Submit application and relevant documents online here.
Only successful applicants will be notified two months after the application closes.
F.A.Q
Throughout the year, we organize different events at our parks to engage guests. The events are edutainment in nature, and each carries a key message on a wildlife conservation issue and a call to action. Sign up as an event volunteer and help us spread the conservation message.   

Event Volunteer

Individual
Group
CSR
Service Learning
 
Pre-requisites
  • 15 years of age and above
  • Enjoys interacting with people
Training
  • 2–5 hours, based on nature of the event
Commitment: Minimum 2 full days during the event period (e.g Zoolympix, Lunar New Year Awareness Booth)
Register

Schools

Wildlife Buddies
Wildlife Buddies Virtual (Primary School)
In this programme, students lead their buddy on a virtual journey to create an online animal-themed story book. Through collaborative work, students get an opportunity to discover their strengths, the importance of teamwork and conflict resolution. We encourage you to match students with varying levels of language proficiency to highlight the importance of perspective taking and empathy. Training will be provided for students to support them in the book creation process.  Participants may contribute their e-books to us for sharing with the community, and receive a complimentary ticket for their buddy.

Wildlife Buddies Virtual

Online
Min: 20 participants
Max: 25 participants
 
Suitable for
  • Students from Primary 4 and above
Learning outcomes
  • Understand the importance of communication in teamwork
  • Develop empathy for others through perspective taking
  • Be empowered in self-directed learning
  • Develop digital literacy
Training 
  • Takes place over two 1.5-hr online sessions
  • Requires students to log in with their individual devices.
*Training Fee (Zoo/RS) S$ 25 per pax
*Programme fees (includes admission for one return visit to Singapore Zoo or River Safari)
Register Ask a question
In-Park Wildlife Buddies (Primary School) - suspended till further notice
In this programme, students serve as guides for their buddies, who may be their peers or juniors, to facilitate meaningful and memorable visits to our parks. Through real life guiding, students get an opportunity to practise empathy, understand the importance of teamwork and communication and discover their strength. Training in guiding and communication skills will be provided. 

Wildlife Buddies

Singapore Zoo, River Safari or Jurong Bird Park
Min: 20 participants
Max: 60 participants
Service Learning
 
Suitable for
  • Students from Primary 4 and above
Learning outcomes
  • Understand the importance of communication in teamwork
  • Develop empathy for others through perspective taking
  • Be empowered in self-directed learning
  • Be empowered to take on leadership roles
Training
  • Training takes place over two 3-hr sessions. 
Guiding
  • Students return to guide their buddies on a separate day.
Training Fee (Zoo/RS) S$ 25 per pax
Training Fee (Bird Park) S$ 20 per pax
Register Ask a question
In-Park Wildlife Buddies (Secondary & Above) - suspended till further notice
In this programme, students serve as guides for their buddies, who may be young children or clients from Social Service Agencies, to facilitate meaningful and memorable visits to our parks. Through real life guiding, students get an opportunity topractise empathy, understand the importance of teamwork and communication and discover their strength. Training in guiding and communication skills will be provided.   

Wildlife Buddies

Singapore Zoo, River Safari or Jurong Bird Park
Min: 20 participants
Max: 60 participants
Service Learning
 
Learning outcomes
  • Understand the importance of communication in teamwork
  • Develop empathy for others through perspective taking
  • Be empowered in self-directed learning
  • Be empowered to take on leadership roles
Training
  • Training takes place over two 3-hr sessions. 
Guiding
  • Students return to guide their buddies on a separate day.
Training Fee (Zoo/RS) S$ 30 per pax
Training Fee (Bird Park) S$ 25 per pax
Register Ask a question
This Work Experience Programme offers students an opportunity to be exposed to the various careers at WRS parks. Through assisting our staff in their daily tasks, they gain understanding to the work that goes into operating a zoo and the skills required to work in a team.

Work Experience Programme

Individual
Service Learning
 
Pre-requisites
  • 15 to 18 years old
  • Volunteered at least 30 hours with WRS as a Conservation Ambassador or an Event volunteer
  • Able to commit to the full 2-week placement
  • Physically fit to work in outdoor environment
  • Responsible and proactive
Application period:
  • For placement in the first two weeks of June, apply between 1 and 30 April
  • For placement in the first two weeks of December, apply between 1 and 31 October
Note:
  • Shortlisted students will be contacted for an interview session in May or November.
  • Accepted students who are unable to attend will forfeit their placement.
  • Slots are not transferrable.
*Programme fee S$ 30 per student
*Fees are waived if applicant is an existing Conservation Ambassador
To apply Placement options
Throughout the year, we organize different events at our parks to engage guests. The events are edutainment in nature, and each carries a key message on a wildlife conservation issue and a call to action. Sign up as an event volunteer and help us spread the conservation message.   

Event Volunteer

Individual
Group
CSR
Service Learning
 
Pre-requisites
  • 15 years of age and above
  • Enjoys interacting with people
Training
  • 2–5 hours, based on nature of the event
Commitment: Minimum 2 full days during the event period (e.g Zoolympix, Lunar New Year Awareness Booth)
Register

Corporate

Corporate Volunteering

Corporate Volunteering

Planning to contribute as an organisation? Consider the opportunities we have in store for corporate volunteering.

Find out more

Keen to volunteer?

Drop us an email to find out more about our different volunteer programmes and we'll help you decide which is best suited for you! 

Contact us