Zoo ALIVE Teen Volunteers
Love animals? Passionate about wildlife and conservation? Want to help others appreciate the natural world? Consider joining Zoo ALIVE to volunteer with like-minded teens, connect with nature and be a part of the Zoo community.
What We Do
Zoo ALIVE (Active Leaders in Volunteer Education) is the Saint Louis Zoo’s volunteer educator program for high school age students.
Zoo ALIVE is an inclusive community where teens from diverse backgrounds strengthen their connection to the natural world, build leadership skills and knowledge to co-create a culture that empowers them to make a difference in the world by addressing conservation issues through education, action projects and Zoo initiatives.
Education Experiences
Help Education Department staff members deliver programs for children of all ages, including camps, classes and overnights.
Conservation Experiences
Assist with a variety of Zoo conservation efforts, including the endangered American Burying Beetle and Partula snails, #byetobags conservation action campaign, and citizen science.
Outdoor Experiences
Enjoy day and weekend trips to explore and connect with nature and wildlife, and optional international travel opportunities as well.
Zoo Experiences
Meet Zoo staff, learn all about the Zoo and its amazing animals, and explore a variety of conservation related careers.
Details & FAQ
- Teens who will be at least 15 years old by May 1, 2024.
- We are seeking mature, responsible teens who want to develop their leadership skills.
- Applicants should enjoy working with children and should be interested in animals and conservation.
- No experience is necessary, but you must be willing to try new things, work together with members of our diverse group and be an excellent representative of our world-class organization.
- Zoo ALIVE volunteers are required to lead discussions and demonstrate activities to groups of children and adults, so good communication skills are a must.
- Enthusiasm and a positive attitude are required!
We expect a lot from the young adults in this program. It can be a life-changing experience for the teens who rise to the challenge. If you are wondering if your teen is ready for this program, please click here to see our expectations.
Zoo ALIVE is a year-long commitment.
All Zoo ALIVE volunteers are required to attend a monthly meeting, usually held the first Sunday of each month from 5 – 7:30 p.m. At the meeting, volunteers receive training for upcoming volunteer opportunities, leadership skills and learn about current events and happenings at the Zoo or with the environment. There is also time to socialize and get to know other volunteers.
In addition to the monthly meetings, volunteers are required to volunteer for at least two Zoo activities per month
New Zoo ALIVE volunteers are also required to attend a Volunteer Orientation, Camp Training and volunteer for two weeks at the Zoo's summer day camp.
Zoo ALIVE is a year-round program, which requires at least one full year commitment. If you are interested in volunteering only in the summer, see the Volunteer Opportunities page and scroll to the bottom of the page for "Zoo Teens," the summer-only teen volunteer program.
All Zoo volunteers, including Zoo ALIVE teens, must pass a background check. Volunteers must agree to follow all of the Zoo's volunteer policies and procedures, including dress code, code of conduct and all COVID-19 safety policies.
We communicate using Teams and email, so Zoo ALIVE teens must have an email account that they can check regularly. Most volunteer opportunities take place at the Zoo. You must have reliable transportation or be willing and able to take public transportation to the Zoo.
Application
There are a limited number of positions, so not all applicants can be accepted into the program. We hope that you will find the application and interview process valuable, even if you are not accepted. Final selections will be made and applicants will be notified in April 202
For more information, please e-mail Becca Harrison at rharrison@stlzoo.org or call her at (314) 646-4746.
The
Application period will open January 1, 2024!
The deadline for this
year’s application is February 16, 2024 and includes several steps:
The Application period will open January 1, 2024! The deadline for this year’s application is February 16, 2024 and includes several steps:
Step 1: Fill out the Zoo ALIVE Application
Check back here on or after January 1, 2024 for the application link to be live.
Step 2: Recommendation Form
- Application and recommendation form are due by February 16, 2024.
- Send the recommendation form to one or more teachers or youth leaders who know you well.
Step 3: Interview Process
You need to participate in interview day to be considered for the program. Note that the recommendation form listed above still needs to be received by February 16 in order for your application to be complete. We only schedule interviews for complete applications.
Group Interview Info
Group interviews will be held at the Zoo on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Group interviews will be held in 2 sessions, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. All applicants are required to attend one group interview session. The only exception is illness/quarantine.
Acceptance
There are a limited number of positions, so not all applicants can be
accepted into the program. We hope that you will find the application
and interview process valuable, even if you are not accepted. Final
selections will be made and applicants will be notified in April 2024.
If you are accepted, you will be directed to a website to complete a background check and complete an online training before May 1.
The Zoo ALIVE application materials must be received no later than Friday, February 16, 2024. Application materials may be sent via email or by mail to:
Jude Bishop
Saint Louis Zoo Education Department
1 Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110
jbishop@stlzoo.org
With Special Thanks
The Saint Louis Zoo is grateful to receive support for its Zoo ALIVE Teen Volunteer Program from the Claire M. Fitzgerald Teen Leadership Fund.