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You are here: Home / Support Us / Volunteer / Zoo Teens

Zoo Teens

What is a ZooTeen?

ZooTeens enjoy the zoo with other teens ages 13-18 through this unique and exclusive volunteer program.

What does a ZooTeen do?

ZooTeens assist the Zoo Staff and Docents with many aspects of zoo operations, including animal care and handling, teaching and interpretation in programs, group leadership in summer camp, and much more.

The ZooTeen program requires volunteer training, periodic animal handling training, and a minimum number of volunteer hours be served each year.  ZooTeens are invited to attend special ZooTeen events and holiday activities, and help with programs and events throughout the year. To fulfill minimum requirements, they are also required to help during some of our Zoo Camps each summer.

Becoming a ZooTeen is a fun way to spend time with animals and peers. It is also a great way for a student to gain resume- or scholarship-building experiences that will lend benefits to their college and career choices.  ZooTeens will gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that will last a lifetime, including…

  • zoo operations
  • animal and plant care and management
  • wildlife & environmental conservation
  • handling and interpretation of living animals and biofacts
  • teaching and interpreting to others
  • leading youth activities
  • public speaking
  • teamwork
  • responsibility
  • exposure to careers in animal, botanic, environmental, biological, and natural resource sciences
  • exposure to careers in education, camp counseling, outdoor education, interpretation, customer service, and volunteer coordination.
  • and much more!

How do you become a ZooTeen?

  1. Read the Zooteen Program Informational Flier. The Zooteen program begins with the start of school in the fall. (We will offer the program training again in spring 2021 to accommodate every student in our transition to an annual fall start.)
    Click here for Flier
  2. Complete the ZooTeen Application using the online link below. Applications are accepted through August 31 for the fall training.
  3. Attend our ZooTeen introductory training class, which includes both classroom and outdoor sessions with staff, Docents, and Senior Zooteens. This is offered in early September every year. (It will also be offered in Feb. of 2021.) You will be invited to the session via email around Sept. 1 and once your application is received.

Questions about the ZooTeen program should be submitted to education@meskerparkzoo.com

Important Forms and Information for Prospective ZooTeens

Zooteen Program Structure

ZooTeen Application

Step 1 of 5

20%

Applicant Information

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Have you ever been convicted of a crime (other than traffic violations)(Required)

Requirements

Are you willing and able to...(Required)

Education

Choice

Work Experience

Volunteer Experience

Skills & Interests

Working with people
General
Give us an idea of why you seek to volunteer at the zoo, and what you wish to achieve and contribute to the program. This is your opportunity to sell us on choosing you as a Zooteen.

References

We would like information from adults who know you (not a relative). Please list three names below. These should be people who have known you for at least one year. If you have previous experience as a volunteer, one reference should be from that organization. Your references will be contacted to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Reference 1

Name

Reference 2

Name

Reference 3

Name

Parent / Guardian Information

I understand that if accepted for a volunteer position, I agree to receive training to help me carry out my volunteer activities. I affirm under the penalties for perjury that I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense against children. I understand that my name will be checked out through the Indiana Child Safe program. I further affirm under the penalties for perjury that I have never been arrested or convicted for any offense against animal welfare. I certify that all information provided on this application is true and complete. I understand that falsification or significant omissions of any information may be considered justification for non-acceptance or dismissal if discovered at a later date.
MM slash DD slash YYYY
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Gardens

HOURS & ADMISSION

Open 365 Days a Year!

9am - 4pm

November – February Rates

Adults: $9.00
Children (age 3-12): $8.00
Children 2 and Under: Free

1545 Mesker Park Drive
Evansville, Indiana 47720

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