The Toledo ZOOTeen Program: A Meaningful First Step into Conservation, Community, and Personal Growth
The Toledo Zoo’s ZOOTeen program provides teens ages 13–17 with meaningful hands-on experience that supports education, animal care and conservation. To help every participant prepare for a successful season, the onboarding steps, required paperwork and fee process are outlined below.
What ZOOTeens Do
ZOOTeens support the Zoo’s daily operations and conservation mission through activities such as:
- Hosting education activity stations covering a range of animal topics
- Facilitating and supporting live animal encounters in the Aquarium, Museum and Nature’s Neighborhood
- Using biofacts such as hides, bones and artifacts to educate visitors about animals and exhibits
- Assisting with Summer Camp programs
- Participating in off-grounds community service and conservation projects
- Helping create enrichment for animals, providing clerical support and completing other tasks as available
These activities give teens valuable experience in communication, leadership and teamwork while helping them understand how their efforts make a direct impact on guests and wildlife.
Requirements
To participate successfully, ZOOTeens must:
- Complete the full ZOOTeen Orientation process
- Volunteer at least 60 hours between Classroom Orientation and October 31
- Follow Zoo uniform and dress code policies
- Work independently when needed, maintain a positive attitude and engage well in a team environment
The Toledo Zoo strives to work with individuals of all abilities. If accommodations are needed, please contact the Volunteer Department so we can discuss reasonable support options.
Program Fee
The ZOOTeen program requires a $125 ($95 program fee + $30 orientation fee) fee to cover key program expenses including ZOOTeen shirts, training materials, name badge and hands-on learning resources used throughout the season. This fee is payable only upon acceptance and is not required at the time of application.
The updated fee reflects rising costs for materials, safety resources and training supplies that are essential to maintaining a high-quality and well-supervised teen experience. The Toledo Zoo reinvests all funds directly into supporting ZOOTeens, ensuring they have the tools, training and guidance needed to succeed from their first day forward.
Scholarships are available for families who need financial assistance. To inquire, please contact Bill Davis, Director of Volunteers.
Year Round Program
Year-Round ZOOTeens continue supporting all seasonal opportunities and may also:
- Serve in leadership positions on the ZOOTeen Executive Board and Committees
- Participate in advanced activities such as Zoo Snoozin’s and Keeper Support
- Handle certain live animals for the purpose of public education
To apply for the Year-Round program, Seasonal ZOOTeens must complete at least 80 hours of service and participate in at least one community service or conservation project.
