The Zoo Teen program at Potter Park Zoo is a volunteer opportunity which allows youth, ages 13-17, the chance to be a part of the daily operation of the zoo! Zoo Teens must have the ability to complete activities independently, a positive attitude, and willingness to engage in a team environment. Share your love of animals and the natural world while spending time at the zoo this summer!
The Zoo Teen program strives to work with individuals of all abilities. Please contact Marie Benner to discuss reasonable accommodations at mbenner@ingham.org or 517-342-2769.
Program Opportunities
- Assist with Zookambi Summer Camp
- Teach the public about conservation at our Conservation Education Stations
- Assist zookeeper staff in the Contact Yard (goats)
- Learn about zoo careers at our Zoo Teen Career Workshop
- Participate in our annual Zoo Teen Canvas for Conservation art contest
- Assist with conservation events such as our annual river cleanup, Snake Day and Monarch Day
- Learn from zookeepers about what it’s like to work at a zoo!
Additional information about year-round program opportunities, including requirements and applications, will be given at the end of the summer season.
Requirements
- Access to reliable transportation to and from Potter Park Zoo
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions and engage with guests of all ages
- Must be willing to obtain a tuberculosis test to help in the Goat Yard
- Commit to a minimum of 40 hours of service from June-August
- Commit to attend an information session, interviews, orientation and all mandatory training dates
- Training dates count toward hour minimum
- Complete and submit required application and must be willing to participate in a group interview
- Must maintain a journal and complete monthly prompts
- Teens must agree to abide by all safety regulations and the volunteer code of conduct
2026 Information Sessions
All information sessions are held in person (except for the virtual session) at Potter Park Zoo at 5:30pm.
- Tues, Feb 10
- Fri, Feb 20
- Wed, Feb 25 (virtual session)
- Mon, Mar 9
- Thurs, Mar 19
Information sessions are required to attend in order to apply for the Zoo Teen program. You can sign up for an information session HERE.
Program Fee
The Zoo Teen Program requires a fee of $50 to cover the cost the program, including shirts, training materials, nametag, and other supplies. This fee is payable at the time of orientation, and not at the time of application. Scholarships are available. Please contact Marie Benner at mbenner@ingham.org for more information.
Application Process
Step 1: Attend an information session. You can sign up for an information session HERE.
Step 2: Fill out application and send resume to Marie Benner at mbenner@ingham.org. You can find a resume template HERE.
Step 3: Attend a group interview
Step 4: Attend orientation. Orientation dates are Wed, May 27, 2026 from 5 – 7:30pm and Sat, May 30, 2026 from 1 – 3:30pm.
Zoo Teen Leadership Council
The Zoo Teen Leadership Council is a group of highly-motivated returning Zoo Teen members who have a strong interest in education, conservation, and being a leader in their community. This is an opportunity for returning Zoo Teens to build leadership, teamwork, and career skills. This program will run May – August.
Requirements
- Open to 3rd – 5th year zoo teens under the age of 18
- Submit an application and, if selected, participate in an interview on an individual basis
- Must attend one orientation session for new Zoo Teens to meet and welcome them
- Must attend pre-summer training and planning meetings in May
- Must be willing to attend meetings on Wednesdays from 2-3pm twice per month
- Must be willing to mentor other zoo teens
Opportunities
- Gain leadership and teamwork skills
- Assist with event coordinating and planning
- Participate in off-site field trips
- Learn from guest speakers
- Mentor first year Zoo Teens
To Apply
Apply with the link below. Interviews will occur in late April. Applicants will be chosen based on their application and interview.
Applications for 2026 will open in February.
Parental/Guardian Agreement
Being part of the Zoo Teen Leadership Team is a significant commitment. We want to ensure that all Zoo Teen Leader members and their parents/guardians understand and agree to commit to all required meetings/participation dates as outlined above.
