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Returning Zoo Crew

Year-Round Zoo Crew

After participating in one Summer Zoo Crew, returning teens can also continue in the Year-Round Zoo Crew program. These Zoo events and activities are a required part of Year-Round Zoo Crew, and will provide participants with a range of enjoyable and challenging work experiences.

Required Opportunities

These posts typically occur on weekend or school holiday days, though participants must plan ahead to ensure their Zoo Crew commitments do not conflict with other extracurricular activities.

Fall (October– January)

  • Three shifts as Naturalist on weekends or Camp Mentor during holiday breaks

Spring (February- May)

  • Three shifts as Naturalist on weekends or during Spring Break

Optional Opportunities

You can add to your Year-Round Zoo Crew experience by including any of the following optional activities:

  • Staff and Board Mentoring
  • Connecting with Conservation Partners
  • Spotlight on Species (SOS) events
  • World Lemur Festival
  • Naturalist station activity development
  • Special Zoo Events
  • New Camp Guide and New Zoo Crew Interviews
  • Wildlife-Saving Campaigns
  • And more! New opportunities are always being added.

Year-Round Zoo Crew Program Fees

  • Summer only: $200
  • Year-Round: additional $250

Applications

Once teens have been accepted into Zoo Crew they do not need to reapply for Year-Round Zoo Crew. Year-Round Zoo Crew registration will be available at the end of the summer Zoo Crew season.

Accommodations & Accessibility

We believe there should be no boundaries to the 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:

  1. Exploring Zoo grounds, which has varying smells, light, noise, and temperature levels
  2. Maneuvering on uneven terrain
  3. Spending up to 2 hours at a time outdoors, sometimes in a stationary location
  4. Engaging with Zoo guests in a friendly and respectful manner
  5. Keeping track of time, following a schedule, and working with minimal supervision
  6. Working collaboratively with fellow teens and Zoo staff and volunteers
  7. Maintaining a positive attitude and conducting yourself in a professional manner while on Zoo grounds
  8. 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.

Unable to attend our information sessions? You can view a recording here.

Check out our Adventure Programs for more ways for teens to get involved with the Houston Zoo!

Adventure Programs

Questions? Email us at teenprograms@houstonzoo.org or call us at 713-533-6567

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