Teen Programs

Cultivating the next generation of conservation heroes!

The Houston Zoo Teen Programs seek to inspire teens to problem solve ways to save animals in the wild and empower them to influence others to take action. By providing teens with opportunities to act, these programs will instill and foster a sense of care for the environment, which will inspire them to become lifelong advocates for all wildlife both locally and globally.

Teens will gain experience in hands-on conservation both on and off Zoo grounds. They will learn how to inspire others to take action to save wildlife by educating guests of the Zoo about our animals and our Take Action Initiatives. Teens will also have the opportunity to connect with the natural world through outdoor adventure and exploration.

First Year

Zoo Crew Explorers

Teens, ages 13-17, participating in Zoo Crew for the first time will have the opportunity to explore everything that the Houston Zoo does to save animals in the wild. From zookeepers, to groundskeepers, to our marketing department, Zoo Crew Explorers will learn about all the different career possibilities and how each of our staff members are active in saving wildlife.

The Zoo Crew Explorer program is a 5-week summer program. All first year teens, regardless of age, must complete a summer of Zoo Crew Explorers before they are able to participate in our year-round programming.

Two 5-week program sessions are offered:
- May 29 -June 30
- July 10-August 11
5-week program includes:
- 2 weeks of experience as a Camp Mentor at Camp Zoofari
- 2 weeks as a Naturalist providing education to our Zoo guests
- 1 week of Keeper/Career shadowing
  - This will include shadowing zookeepers, career chats with Zoo professionals, behind-the-scenes tours, and one day of Adventure Programming where teens will learn about careers in the field off zoo grounds.

Once first year teens have completed the Zoo Crew Explorer program they are eligible to continue their experience in our year-round teen programs.

Zoo Crew Explorer Program Fees

Summer only: $150
Year-round: additional $100

Returning

Zoo Crew

Teens, ages 13-17, who have already completed one summer of Zoo Crew have the opportunity to choose how they would like to be involved at the Houston Zoo.

Program choices include:

Junior Zookeeper

Camp Mentor

Naturalist

Theater

Returning Zoo Crew Program Fees

Summer only: $100
Year-round: additional $100

Applications

Applications will open February 20.

Interviews

Selected first year applicants will be asked to interview on the one of the following dates:

Saturday, April 1
Saturday, April 15

Returning Zoo Crew members applying for Camp Mentor, Naturalist, or Theater will NOT need to interview.

Due to high interest and the limited number of spaces, returning Zoo Crew members applying for Junior Zookeeper WILL need to interview. Selected applicants will be asked to interview on one of the following dates:

Saturday, April 1
Saturday, April 15

Adventure Programs

Teens will explore natural areas in Texas and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, etc. They will also participate in conservation projects such as beach clean-ups and habitat restoration.

Open to all accepted Zoo Crew members throughout the year
Open to all teens, ages 13-17, in non-summer months (February-April, October-December). This includes teens not accepted into the Zoo Crew program.
Summer Adventure Programs for Zoo Crew members:
- 1^st year Zoo Crew Explorers will be scheduled for one adventure program as part of their 5-week experience
- Returning Zoo Crew must sign-up for trips during these times:
  - Adventure weeks:
    - July 3-7
    - August 14-18
  - One Saturday a month in June, July, and August

Upcoming Adventure Programs

February 18– Abandoned Crab Trap Removal at Fort Anahuac Park

March 4– Brazos Bend State Park

April 9– Surfside Jetty Clean-up with Sea Lion team

Check back on February 1 for Adventure Program sign-ups!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum hour requirements?

When will we find out if we’ve been accepted?

Do we need to submit letters of recommendation?

What kind of training will we receive?

I can't commit that much time, but I still want to be involved in the Houston Zoo. What other opportunities are there for me?

I will be turning 18 this summer, can I still participate?

Did you miss our information sessions? All the information presented can be found here: Teen Programs Information Session Presentation

Questions about our teen programs? Contact us at teenprograms@houstonzoo.org