Zoo Teens

The Zoo Teen APPLICATION DEADLINE (April 23rd) for the 2005-06 year is coming! If you are interested in applying to the program for the upcoming ZooTeen year (beginning in July), please call 602.914.4394 and leave your name, age, mailing address, city and zip code, e-mail address and contact phone number to be placed on the waiting list.

ZooTeens FAQs

Who can be a ZooTeen?
This program is directed towards Junior and High School students; thus, anyone between age 13 and 17 can apply. Due to the high volume of applicants, we cannot make exceptions for youth under age 13.

What is the ZooTeen program?
ZooTeens are special volunteers and serve in a variety of positions throughout the Phoenix Zoo. For the first 2-4 semesters (approx. 40-80 hours of volunteer time), all ZooTeens serve primarily in Harmony Farm, a working farm. Acting as interpreters of information for our guests is the top priority, but there are a wide variety of duties to perform at the farm. These include demonstrations for the public, assisting keepers and gardeners with their chores, helping in the petting zoo, and much more. After teens have proven themselves to be dependable and hard working, they may be offered positions in different ZooTeen programs throughout the Zoo, including behind the scenes research projects and visitor interpretation programs. The program is designed to challenge participants while providing valuable support to the Zoo.

How soon can I apply to be a ZooTeen?
The Zoo accepts applications in March and April for the upcoming Fall and Spring semesters. You can get on the application packet mailing list any time during the year by leaving a message with your name, address, zip code, phone, and age at 602.914.4394 or contact us. Applications are typically distributed via postal mail in March and early April.

How does the application process work?
You must complete and return an application that includes two recommendations from adults. A limited number of applicants will be called in for a personal interview. Selection of the Teens will take place after all interviews are completed in June. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of spots for new Teens so we cannot guarantee that everyone who applies will get in. Since we rely on adult volunteers to supervise ZooTeens, we cannot accept more Teens than we can supervise or support in any of our assigned tasks. We accept ZooTeen Adult Supervisor applications year-round. Any interested adults should contact us as soon as possible.

What is expected of me now that I'm a ZooTeen?
You are expected to attend all mandatory training sessions, pass any examinations and certifications, pay the program fee (approximately $30 for a t-shirt) and be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per semester. You will also be required to provide proof of a current, negative TB test prior to the start of our training sessions in August. The semesters are from September - December and from January – May.

What if I can't work every single weekend?
Once trained, you are not expected to work every weekend. At the beginning of each semester, you will be given calendar dates from which you choose your dates to volunteer. You may not always get your first choice of dates, but you will not be scheduled on a day that you have indicated you are unable to work and you will not be scheduled for both days of a weekend at any time unless you wish to do so. Our Teen participants are only scheduled to work on Saturdays or Sundays with most shifts from 9:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Training, however, is an in-depth and time consuming process that begins in July. We urge all potential ZooTeens to be sure that they can attend a series of weekend and/or evening training in July and early August. Summer vacations may conflict with training, and would therefore limit a teen's involvement in certain program aspects.

Will I get to work directly with live animals?
We consider Animal Handling to be a privilege. At Harmony Farm, there are many domestic animals you may work with directly. ALL teens working with animals must be Animal Handling Certified for farm animals including goats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and gopher snakes (proof of a negative TB test is MANDATORY). The training process for animal handling and information is demanding, which is why we begin training in late summer. As you gain experience in the program, there may be further opportunities to work with or around animals. You will never be forced to handle an animal that you are uncomfortable with.

What benefits are there to being a ZooTeen?
Aside from looking great on your resume or college application, you will meet a lot of people who have similar interests. You will experience the personal gratification and accomplishment that goes hand-in-hand with volunteerism. You will receive recognition for the number of hours you volunteer; and we are happy to provide documentation for students who can receive community service credits from their school or other activity groups. You will also gain first-hand knowledge of the many career fields it takes for a zoo to succeed. Finally, we have several celebrations during the year to commend a job well done!