Teen Programs

Share your love of animals and conservation with like-minded peers at the Zoo!

Seneca Park Zoo has teen programs year-round that help teens connect with wildlife and wild places. Check out the programs below to learn more.

Questions?

Call 585.336.7213 or email [email protected]

All Teen Programs

Wildlife Action Crew

For teens age 13-18. A six-week program offered multiple times throughout the school year. Wildlife Action Crew is for teenagers interested in animals and conservation.

Teens conduct a conservation case study, learning about and discussing a conservation issue, animals that are affected, and what is being done to help.

ZooTeens

The ZooTeen program gives young adults the opportunity to work together with like-minded peers from around the region, as well as with the Seneca Park Zoo education team, to help educate the public about the animals in our conservation care and the importance of saving animals from extinction. Applications for summer 2025 will be posted in January!

ZooTeens act as ambassadors of the Zoo while exploring their interests in animals, ecology, and conservation. Throughout the day, teams of ZooTeens engage Zoo guests in fun learning activities at various stations throughout the Zoo. Activities may include the use of animal artifacts (biofacts), educational games, and answering guests’ questions. Returning ZooTeens have the opportunity to assist with ZooCamp or take on a leadership role as a ZooTeen Captain.

ZooTeens attend one training session at the beginning of the season and participate in skill building experiences throughout the summer. These trainings build confidence, communication skills, and background knowledge.

Who?

Any student who is in grades 7-12 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Requirements

Submit a completed online application, which includes a brief essay about why you want to be a ZooTeen (300-500 words)

Group interviews for new ZooTeens and for returning ZooTeens interested in being ZooCamp Assistants or ZooTeen Captains.

Participation in one training session for ALL ZooTeens and separate additional trainings for teens selected to be ZooCamp Assistants or ZooTeen Captains.

When?

ZooTeens sign up for a minimum of 12 shifts over six weeks from July – mid August. Volunteer shifts run 9:30am-1:30pm, 12:30pm-4:30pm or 9:30am-4:30pm seven days a week. Teens are able to sign up for shifts that work best for their schedule.

Cost

There is a fee of $120, due after acceptance into the program

Need-based scholarships available upon request.

Zooteen FAQs

Questions? Please contact 585.336.7213 or [email protected] Or check out our FAQs.

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