***Applications for 2025 are now Closed***
About
The Zoo Corps program prepares teens to have inspiring and meaningful interactions with Zoo guests. Training and continuing professional development will prepare Zoo Corps members to facilitate hands-on activities that explore science concepts, environmental stewardship, humane education, conservation concepts and animal information. Zoo Corps members will have opportunities to participate in one-of-a-kind experiences and personal and professional development.
Experiences
- Guest Facing: Day-to-day youth participants, with the support of DZS staff, engage with guests about DZS conservation work and present activities on science concepts that allow guests to ask their own questions or increase their observation skills of animals at the Zoo.
- Leadership and Professional Development: These experiences are in addition to guest engagement shifts. Some examples could include:
- Youth Conference
- Participation in a Youth Council (Managing and Facilitating Social Programming for Teen Participants)
- Fieldwork experiences
- Off-Site Educational Field Trips
- Onsite Behind the Scenes Experiences
- Volunteer Appreciation Celebrations Geared Specifically for Teens
- Professional Development Workshops (Resume Writing, STEM Career Exploration etc.)
Year-Round Program Requirements:
- Youth aged 14-17 years old
Applicants must be 14 by June 1st - Access to reliable transportation to and from the Detroit Zoo
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Eagerness and willingness to engage with guests of all ages
- Complete:
- 60 Hours of service from June-August
- The Following Shifts from September-December
- 1 Zoo Boo or Run Wild
- 1 Wild Lights
- 1 Additional Shift or Party of your Choice
- The Following Shifts from January-May4 Shifts of Your Choice
- Attend one of the following mandatory virtual meetings
- Thursday, May 8th from 6-7 pm
- Saturday, May 31st from 10-11 am
- Monday, June 9th from 6-7 pm
- Sunday, June 15th from 2-3 pm
- Attend one of the following mandatory virtual meetings
- Attend the following mandatory training dates
- Monday, June 23rd from 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday, June 24th from 9am-4 pm
- Wednesday, June 25th from 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday, June 26th from 9am -4 pm
- Friday, June 27th from 9 am-4 pm
-
- Training dates count toward hour minimums
- Complete and submit required application and documentation
- Parent and teen will participate in a phone or virtual interview
Applications for 2026 will Open in March
Summer Only Program Requirements:
-
- Youth aged 14-17 years old
Applicants must be 14 by June 1st - Access to reliable transportation to and from the Detroit Zoo
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Eagerness and willingness to engage with guests of all ages
- Complete:
- 60 Hours of service from June-August
- Youth aged 14-17 years old
- Attend one of the following mandatory virtual meetings:
- Thursday, May 8th from 6-7 pm
- Saturday, May 31st from 10-11 am
- Monday, June 9th from 6-7 pm
- Sunday, June 15th from 2-3 pm
- Attend the mandatory following training dates:
- Monday, June 23rd from 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday, June 24th from 9am-4 pm
- Wednesday, June 25th from 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday, June 26th from 9am -4 pm
- Friday, June 27th from 9 am-4 pm
-
- Training dates count toward hour minimums
- Complete and submit required application and documentation
- Parent and teen will participate in a phone or virtual interview
Applications for 2026 will Open in March
