Teen Program

Youth Zoo Crew

Each day, the Little Rock Zoo becomes a living classroom and you can become a part of it. The Zoo invites youth, ages 13-17, to join the newly revamped Youth Zoo Crew! Teens support Zoo staff in providing engaging experiences that inspire people to value and conserve our natural world. Participants must be willing to learn, step outside their comfort zones, engage with guests of all ages, and share a passion for wildlife conservation.

Please review the 2025 Program Details & FAQs below prior to submitting an application.

Youth Zoo Crew Details & FAQs

Questions? Contact us at krjohnson@littlerock.gov or call 501-661-7220.

Important Dates and Times

How to Apply

The teen program begins with three weeks of training during our summer months. All teens, regardless of age, must complete this training before they are able to participate in year-round programming.
Teens will be allowed to choose their three weeks from the following weekly sessions:

June 2-6
June 9-13
June 16-20
June 23-27
July 7-11
July 14-18
July 21-25
July 28-August 1

All session dates are Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm

Applications open January 1, 2025, and are due by February 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm.

Click here to submit your application and attach a brief (up to two pages) essay response to one of the following prompts:

What do you hope to gain from your participation in the Teen Program of the Little Rock Zoo?
How can your participation in the Teen Program at the Little Rock Zoo assist in your goals for the future?

Applicants will be contacted February 10-15, 2025, for interviews. If selected to interview, teens will be asked to choose an adult (not related) to complete a recommendation letter on their behalf.

Each week, teens will learn about a different aspect of the Zoo, wildlife conservation efforts, and conservation education. They will spend:

One week assisting with Zoofari camp
One week learning guest engagement and interpretation
One week of conservation and Zoo careers

Interviews

Interviews will be held in person on March 8, 2025. Teens will be able to sign up for an interview timeslot that works with their schedule.

To participate, teens must be 13-years-old by May 1^st and they cannot turn 18 before the end of their selected session.

Orientation and Training

April 5: Mandatory Orientation, 1-3 pm
April 20: Zoofari Training, 9 am to 3 pm

Program Fee: $80

This covers the cost of 2 program shirts, a name badge, and other program materials.

Once the summer session is complete, teens are eligible to continue participating in year round activities. No additional fees apply.

The Wildest Value in Town!

Little Rock Zoo Memberships

Family Fun at the Zoo!

Memberships support the Zoo's efforts to promote conservation and education. It is the perfect way to benefit humans and animals, alike!