Have you ever wanted to become a Camp Counselor, ZooKeeper, Veterinarian, or Wildlife Conservationist?
The application process for 2024 will open on January 29, 2024.
Have you ever wanted to become a Camp Counselor, Zoo Keeper, Veterinarian, or Wildlife Conservationist?
Our Zoo Teen program will provide experience in problem-solving, time management, guest service experience, wildlife conservation, and wildlife education. With this knowledge and experience, we hope to instill a sense of love and care for the wildlife around them in hopes they become our next wildlife and zoological advocates.
Spots for Zoo teens are limited. Teens must be 14 years old by June 3rd, 2024 to apply to the Zoo Teen program. The application process will begin on January 29th and close on April 7th. All applicants must complete the application, submit two recommendation google forms from unrelated adults (link below), and interview with Zoo education leadership. During the interview, applicants will give a 2-3 minute presentation on the importance of zoos and aquariums.
Inspire future generations of conservationists as you join our summer camp staff to guide campers’ learning through zoo tours, crafts, and animal encounters. Learn how to handle and care for ambassador animals for the campers and the public.
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Learn what it takes to become a future zoo keeper as you join our keepers in daily husbandry tasks and small animal presentations for our general zoo guests.
Texas Christian University Environmental Science, HARE
My name is Hannah Cannon, and I’m currently a student at Texas Christian University studying Environmental Science with a minor in Human-Animal Relationships. I got on this track after my six years at the Abilene Zoo with the Zoo Teens program. The program was probably the number one deciding factor in what I wanted to do with my life. Not only did it help me with that, but it also helped me with getting into the school of my dreams. Zoo Teens is more than just something to do with your summer, as I first thought it was going to be, when I was thirteen. I made an impact in others’ lives, I made friends that I am still in contact with today, having not seen them in years, and I have made an impact on this earth. Zoo Teens allows you to not only learn about this the animals on this beautiful planet, but also to help make a difference, you get to teach the youth, the future of this world, all about the animals and how they can help – and they really care! The kids at camp love coming, and seeing all the different animals that YOU get to handle, they love touching them, and they love learning about them. They ask questions, and remember what you tell them. The kids that come back camp after camp are proof of that. Zoo Teens gave me a chance to have more than just the typical summer year after year, it gave me the opportunity to make a difference, and figure out where I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do, not just each summer but for the rest of my life.
