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. They will also have the opportunity learn and practice their interpretation skills to share our animal saving messages with Zoo guests.
Dates and Times
The Zoo Crew Explorers program is a four-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.
Zoo Crew Explorers summer dates are broken into four sessions:
- Session 1: June 3-June 28
- Session 2: June 17-July 12
- Session 3: July 1-July 26
- Session 4: July 15-August 9
All four weeks of each session are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Each week, Zoo Crew Explorers will be learning about different aspects of the zoo and conservation field. They will spend time learning about what is wildlife conservation and Houston Zoo’s wildlife-saving initiatives. They will also learn about the variety of careers in the zoo field by meeting with professionals throughout the organization. They will spend a week as a Camp Mentor, mentoring the young kids in our Camp Zoofari summer camp, and a week as a Naturalist in which they will educate guests of the Zoo about our animals and ways they can take action to save them in the wild.
To participate, teens must be 13 years old by the start of the program on June 3 regardless of the session they are selected for and they cannot turn 18 before the end of their selected session.
Applications and Interviews
Applications
Applications for 2024 are now closed. Please check back here in December for information regarding the 2025 program.
Interviews
Interviews will be held in-person at the end of March or beginning of April. If selected for an interview, applicants will be able to sign up for a timeslot that works with their schedule.
All applicants will be notified of acceptance by the end of April.
Orientation
- Mandatory orientation will be held in May
- Orientation will be held virtually via Zoom
- Both Zoo Crew and parents/guardians must attend
Zoo Crew Explorers Program Fees
- Summer only: $300
- Year-round: additional $250
Once first-year teens have completed the Zoo Crew Explorers program they are eligible to continue their experience in our year-round Zoo Crew programs.
Information Session
Added:
Meet the Teen Programs Staff
Youth Conservation Programs Manager- Colleen Cavanaugh
Colleen has been with Houston Zoo since 2016. With her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation and her graduate degree in Environmental Education, Colleen is passionate about cultivating the next generation of conservation heroes, connecting teens to nature, and inspiring them to take action to save wildlife within their own community.
Accommodations & Accessibility
We believe there should be no boundaries in our Zoo Crew experience. Teens of all abilities are welcome to join, and all participants receive thorough training and mentoring while in the program.
The Zoo Crew experience includes:
- Exploring Zoo grounds, which has varying smells, light, noise, and temperature levels
- Maneuvering on uneven terrain
- Spending up to 2 hours at a time outdoors, sometimes in a stationary location
- Engaging with Zoo guests in a friendly and respectful manner
- Keeping track of time, following a schedule, and working with minimal supervision
- Working collaboratively with fellow teens and Zoo staff and volunteers
- Maintaining a positive attitude and conducting yourself in a professional manner while on Zoo grounds
- Adhering to Zoo Crew policies and procedures
Our goal is to set up all teens and staff for success. To help us provide the best possible experience, please inform us of all special considerations prior to participation. This may include information on allergies, accessibility concerns, behavioral, psychological or emotional conditions as well as any other special needs. Please contact us at teenprograms@houstonzoo.org or 713-533-6567 to make an accommodation request. We are happy to work with households to make Zoo Crew accessible to teens with varying needs. We are, however, unable to provide one-on-one support or supplementary services.
You can view a recording of the 2024 information session here.
Check out our Adventure Programs for more ways for teens to get involved with Houston Zoo!
Questions? Email us at teenprograms@houstonzoo.org or call us at 713-533-6567
