‍The Austin Nature and Science Center (ANS) is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to educate, inspire, and connect people of all ages with nature in an urban environment. We do this through our zoo, botanical garden, adventure programs, large-scale exhibits and many interactive exhibits. Located at 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, 30 minutes north of downtown Austin, Texas in the rolling hills of Williamson County. The ANS facilities include our new zoo which houses over 70 species of animals from Africa to Asia. There are also several large-scale exhibits where you can explore the outdoors and meet with some of our animal ambassadors! You can also experience plenty of fun activities like our kids’ Discovery House and Climbing Wall, Science Workshops at our Observatory + Planetarium or just relax on one of our many trails! Browse around this site

How to Volunteer at an ANS

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team! We have many roles to choose from, including but not limited to: docent, supervisor, mentor, educator, and trail guide. We also have programs that allow you to work with animals – we can’t wait to meet you! If you are interested in volunteering at the Austin Natural and Science Center, please fill out our volunteer application. We will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your interests and availability. If you are interested in volunteering with animals, we have several programs to choose from. Our docent program works with children in our Discovery Houses and Science Workshops. We also have a program known as Critical Care volunteer that allows individuals to volunteer as Care Givers for our animals that are in Recovery from surgery.

How to Meet Our Animals

Meet our animals at the Austin Natural and Science Center: – Leo the Lion – The Lion has a special story. When he was about two years old, he was severely injured in an attack by other animals. He was found clinging to life by a local herder who nursed him back to health. Once healed, he was named Leo by the herder. After he was ready for adoption, Leo was given to ANS. He was then placed in the habitat with a variety of animals and his new family took him under their wing! – Baby Elephant – This sweet baby Elephant was brought to the ANS as an orphan. He has been under the care of our Elephant Ambassadors who have been helping raise him. Now he is ready to meet new people and explore the outdoors! – Albino Siberian Tiger – This albino Siberian Tiger was rescued from the streets of Bangkok, Thailand where he was found severely malnourished and living in a dumpster. He was brought to the ANS and placed in our large-scale exhibit where he is enjoying a new life! Go here

Where can you see animals at the Austin Nature and Science

Our ANS zoo is located 30 minutes north of downtown Austin, Texas in the rolling hills of Williamson County. You can also visit us at one of our many partner sites where we offer programs and activities! Lakeline Nature Center & Austin Aquarium. This is an excellent place to visit with children, as we have a Discovery House, active programs, and a diverse collection of animals. We also offer a small children’s zoo, an interactive play area, and a 2-acre nature garden. Guadalupe River State Park – This is a wonderful place to visit with friends and family. There are many hiking trails, a swimming hole, picnic areas, and a children’s playground. Round Rock Nature Preserve – This is a beautiful location that offers nature walks, picnic areas, and plenty of wildlife watching! Lake Travis Nature Preserve – This is a nice urban park that offers hiking trails, a swimming hole, and a beautiful view of the lake!

Why should you volunteer at the Austin Natural and Science Center

The Austin Natural and Science Center is a unique place with a big mission. We are the only public natural history, science, and environmental education facility in Central Texas. We are passionate about opening people’s minds to the wonders of nature, fostering appreciation of science, and offering environmental education to all ages. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities from assisting with exhibits to helping with our summer camp programs. Not only will you get to explore the outdoors, you will also make new friends, learn new skills, and empower people to make the world a better place by volunteering at the Austin Natural and Science Center. If you are interested in volunteering at the Austin Natural and Science Center, please fill out our volunteer application. We will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your interests and availability.

How to Meet Your Host Organization

The Austin Natural and Science Center is a unique organization with a big mission. We are the only public natural history, science, and environmental education facility in Central Texas. We are passionate about opening people’s minds to the wonders of nature, fostering appreciation of science, and offering environmental education to all ages. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities from assisting with exhibits to helping with our summer camp programs. Not only will you get to explore the outdoors, you will also make new friends, learn new skills, and empower people to make the world a better place by volunteering at the Austin Natural and Science Center.

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