Zoo Teens (ages 14-17)

The 2023 Zoo Teen Application season is now CLOSED.

To be added to our interest list for the 2024 Zoo Teen season, please email us at zooteen@lafayette.in.gov to receive updates when registration becomes available early next year.


Columbian Park Zoo's Zoo Teen program is designed for students 14-17 years of age who have a desire to explore animal-related careers, including zookeeping, conservation and wildlife education.

This structured volunteer program is a wonderful opportunity to build a variety of transferable job skills such as customer service, time management, professional conduct, leadership and more.

Teens with an interest in any career field are encouraged to apply.  Those with a particular interest in animal-related careers will especially benefit from this program through multiyear participation.

Zoo Teen Eligibility:

A Zoo Teen Candidate will be:

  • 14-17 years of age on June 1 of the year of application
  • Trustworthy, reliable and responsible
  • Able to accept supervision of adults and ask for assistance when needed
  • Courteous to his/her peers, the general public, volunteers and staff
  • Willing to learn new skills and get his/her hands dirty
  • Willing to engage with others through public speaking and visitor interactions
  • Able to share the Zoo's wildlife conservation and education messages with enthusiasm
  • Able to present a neat and well-groomed appearance
  • Comfortable working with patrons of all ages and backgrounds
  • Able to demonstrate a positive attitude at all times
  • Supportive of Columbian Park Zoo's mission
20210622_084629

How To Apply:

The application deadline for the 2023 Zoo Teen Program has passed.  

To see if the program is the right fit for you in upcoming summer seasons, feel free to review the 2023 Zoo Teen Information Packet to learn more about the Zoo Teen Program and its requirements.

2023 Zoo Teen Information Packet

The application for the 2024 Zoo Teen Program will be made available here in January.  Check back for your opportunity to apply!

Questions?
Contact the Zoo Teen Coordinator:


  • Phone:  (765) 807-1558
  • Email:     zooteen@lafayette.in.gov
1








Zoo Teen Sponsorships:

Are you or your business interested in sponsoring our teens this summer?  We can't do what we do without the amazing support of our community, and would love to discuss sponsorship opportunities with you!   Reach out to us at zooteen@lafayette.in.gov for more information.  Thank you for helping us keep costs low for participants while we help prepare them for their future!

​DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS WILD OPPORTUNITY!