Zoo Crew

Zoo Crew is designed to give teens (ages 13-17) the opportunity to learn about and volunteer in various areas of the Zoo.

Who

Youth (ages 13-17)

Cost

$200 program fee

Good to Know

Must complete the Zoo Crew training program before being considered for the year-round program

Zoo Crew Overview

Zoo Crew members volunteer in areas of the Zoo including:

Guest engagement with a primary focus on conservation education, using bio-facts, and leading games & activities, with the goal of sharing information about our animals and conservation efforts.
Assisting zoologists with animal care and husbandry duties.
Assisting with education programs including: camps, preschool age programs, family pop-up programs.
Assisting with special events at different times throughout the year.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all year-round Zoo Crew members will have the option to partake in all of these tasks.

Teens will learn the following during training:

The role guest engagement plays in the Zoo’s mission and how to communicate with guests about animals and conservation efforts.
The different elements of Zoo habitats.
How to communicate their appreciation for nature and how to foster that feeling in others.

Here’s how to join Zoo Crew:

Session spots are limited; applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
All individuals whose applications are accepted are required to participate in the training program.
Upon completion of the training program, youth learning staff will invite select individuals to join Zoo Crew.

Ready to Get Started?

Optional Zoom information sessions:
Wednesday, January 7 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m.
Apply below and interview for a spot in one of our training sessions. Information on training session type and dates are below.
Pay the $200 program fee.
Submit the signed release forms.

Remote/Hybrid:

This training program will consist of in-person Zoo days, virtual meetings, and online learning. Applicants must commit to attending all in-person Zoo days and synchronous meetings. In-person Zoo days will be offered on multiple days per week, and multiple times may be offered in order to work with your schedule. Synchronous meetings will be held on select Mondays at 5 p.m. during each session.

Spring Session
Training Dates: March 22–May 9
Application Deadline: March 2

Fall Session
Training Dates: September 13–October 31
Application Deadline: August 17

In-Person:

Training program days will be Monday–Friday and take place at the Zoo.

June In-Person Session
Training Dates: June 8–June 26
Training Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Application Deadline: May 18

July In-Person Session
Training Dates: July 6-24 (except Dollar Day)
Training Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Application Deadline: June 15

August In-Person Session
Training Dates: August 3–August 21 (except Dollar Day)
Training Time: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Application Deadline: July 13

Applications for 2026 will be available on 12/1!

In the meantime, subscribe to our email list and stay up to date with our other education programs!