The ZooTeens program is open to all teens who will be in Grades 9-12 during the 2024-2025 school year.

This program is open to teens who already have volunteering experience and those who do not. We aim to create a program that represents the diversity of our teen community and encourage all teens to apply. If selected participants require accommodations to be successful in the program, we will make every effort to provide them.

The Phoenix Zoo is seeking teens who embody key characteristics crucial to our mission and values. We are looking for individuals who are responsible and reliable and possess a genuine passion for wildlife and conservation. We value a strong desire to learn and a willingness to try new things, as our dynamic environment encourages continuous growth and exploration. Additionally, we are seeking applicants who are eager to represent the Zoo in a friendly and professional manner, understanding the importance of positive interactions with our guests. Furthermore, we encourage applicants who wish to serve as role models for their peers, embodying the values of responsibility, curiosity and a commitment to wildlife conservation.

We love animals too!  We also recognize the importance of education. ZooTeens will focus on engaging our guests and helping them understand the natural world around them. While ZooTeens will not work directly with animals or with zookeepers, they will get special access to monthly opportunities which are designed to provide them with experiences, knowledge and exposure to potential career paths related to animal and conservation sciences.

ZooTeens must commit to the program for one year (August through May) and must be able to complete a minimum of one 6-hour volunteer shift a month. Volunteer shifts are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include a 45-minute break for lunch. Participants will have the ability to create their own volunteer schedules through our online volunteer portal, Volgistics.

The mandatory program orientation and trainings will take place in August and September 2024 and volunteering shifts will begin in October 2024 and go through May 2025.

All ZooTeens will start their volunteer shift with a “Pre-Shift” meeting where we will share expected guest attendance that day, updates on animals/exhibits and other important information about what to expect during their day at the Zoo. ZooTeens will then transition to their assigned shifts which may include activities such as hosting educational stations around Zoo grounds, leading trail walks and scavenger hunts, supporting animal interactions at our farm or assisting Zoo staff with our Creature Features. ZooTeens will have a 45-minute lunch break on Zoo grounds and then end their shift with a “Post-Shift” meeting where we will reflect on the day as a group and review any teachable moments.

ZooTeens will receive comprehensive training to ensure their success in the program. Training will cover essential skills and topics such as public speaking, guest engagement, customer service, conflict resolution, adaptability and knowledge of the Zoo’s history, exhibits, animals and conservation efforts.

In addition to receiving inside knowledge of the Zoo, ZooTeens will have access to tailored monthly opportunities such as chats with Phoenix Zookeepers, behind the scenes tours and experiences and much more! ZooTeens will also have access to fun social events and regular recognition of service. Additionally, after completing two of their eight required monthly shifts, ZooTeens will receive a free, individual Zoo membership. Maintaining access to the Zoo membership is contingent upon ZooTeens continuing to meet program requirements.

The Trailblazers Youth Advisory Council focuses on leadership development and empowers teens to assist in the design, planning and execution of teen programming at the Zoo. The monthly meetings involve collaborative group discussions, leadership and professional development activities and working in teams on the service-learning projects. Trailblazers are also expected to put in some additional time outside of the scheduled meetings. If you like thinking deeply about an issue or task and working with others to solve it, this is the program for you!

The ZooTeens program offers teens the ability to volunteer at the Phoenix Zoo on the weekends. ZooTeens volunteer shifts are focused on engaging and educating guests in a variety of fun and interactive ways. ZooTeens are required to complete a specific number of volunteer hours each year to remain in the program. If you like sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with others while developing important professional and life skills, this is the program for you!

No, you cannot be in both programs concurrently. However, if you are unsure which program is a better fit for you, you can apply to both. If you are invited to interview, you will be notified which program(s) you are being interviewed for and you will only be offered a position in one of the programs.

Students that are selected to be ZooTeens will be required to pay a $50 program fee. The program fee will support the cost of a program shirt, name tag, and program activities. Limited scholarships will be available and will be distributed based on individual student need after the selection process.

If you have additional questions about the ZooTeens program, please contact zooteens@phoenixzoo.org.