ZOOTeen Program

We are now accepting applications for the 2008 ZOOTeen Class! If you are interested in The Toledo ZOOTeen program, applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2008. ZOOTeens is a highly competitive program, and applications will not be accepted after that deadline.

Download a Volunteer Application

Program Description

The ZOOTeen program offers volunteer opportunities to students between the ages of 13 and 17 who have a strong interest in education, animal science and conservation. It is a seasonal/year-round program that offers youth a range of opportunities.

Seasonal ZOOTeens:

• Host education activity stations covering a variety of animal topics
• Work in the Children’s Zoo, staffing the animal contact yard and other duties
• Use biofacts (hides, bones, etc) to educate visitors about our animals and exhibits
• Assist with Summer Camp programs and Children’s Zoo programming
• Participate in a variety of off-grounds programs including community service and conservation projects (habitat restoration, litter clean ups and recycling promotions)
• Make enrichment for the animals
• Clerical support

Year-Round ZOOTeens can support all the seasonal opportunities; in addition they may:

• Handle live animals for the purpose of public education
• Serve in leadership positions on the ZOOTeen Executive Board and Committees
• Present formal education programs for Zoo School classes, Children’s Zoo, Reptile House, and off grounds programs
• Assist with the Zoo Snoozin’ program

Training

New ZOOTeens must attend an initial orientation that covers volunteer opportunities, customer service training, biofacts, Children’s Zoo responsibilities and teaching techniques. Training is provided by department staff and will be supplemented by optional classes for other programs (Salamander Seep exhibit, presentation skills, etc.).

Year-round ZOOTeens will have additional training, including our seven-class training series covering our exhibits and animals, leadership classes, advanced teaching courses, animal handling, and more.

Time Commitment

The program requires a commitment of at least one full season (June 1-October 31), during which you are expected to serve at least 50 hours. If interested, you may be eligible to remain involved in the program throughout the year. If you participate in the year-round program, you are required to:

• Volunteer at least 8 hours per month, and
• Attend at least 8 ZOOTeen meetings per year, held on the second Sunday of each month.

Program Fee

The ZOOTeen program requires a one-time fee of $40 to cover the initial expenses of the program, including ZOOTeen shirt, training materials, name tag, etc. Scholarships are available and will be awarded based on need. This fee is payable upon acceptance into the ZOOTeen program, and is not required at the time of application.

If you have questions regarding any of these expectations, please contact the Toledo Zoo Volunteer Coordinator at (419)385-5721 ext. 2045 or volunteer@toledozoo.org.

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