Skip main navigation

Wed., April 29 (Stone Zoo) and Thurs., April 30 (Franklin Park Zoo): Guests will have an opportunity to observe routine emergency preparedness drills. First responders will join us for this exercise, and guests may see emergency vehicles and personnel during the drill. As part of the drill, guests may be asked to move to certain areas within the Zoo for a brief period of time (not to exceed 10 minutes). We'll do our best to have minimal impact on your experience, and the zoo will remain open the entire time. We're dedicated to safety and appreciate your participation. Practice drills are an important part of our preparedness training. If you have questions about what to expect, contact us at 617-989-2000 or info@zoonewengland.org. Thank you for your interest and understanding!

x
Close menu
zooteens and turtle

Summer ZooTeen

Since its inception in 1999, our Summer ZooTeen program has engaged Boston youth with work experiences that allow them to develop professionally, build a strong sense of self, and strengthen their knowledge and preparedness for future endeavors.

The Summer ZooTeen Program is an opportunity for youth, ages 14 to 18, that combines a meaningful work experience at Franklin Park Zoo with professional development, life-skill training and community building. Many ZooTeens have gone on to become camp counselors, educators, interns and zookeepers at Zoo New England.

Teens can apply to participate in our program in paid and volunteer roles. Paid ZooTeen roles are only available for teens who live in Boston and Cambridge.

Apply for ZooTeen Position - Paid
Apply for ZooTeen Position - Volunteer/Unpaid


Program Overview

Here’s an overview of assignments in various departments throughout the Zoo:

  • Teen Educator: ZooTeens in Education act as interpreters or “explainers” and goodwill guides to zoo guests. They learn to facilitate activities throughout zoo grounds, lead animal encounters for guests, and develop new activities that they design. They will also assist in the facilitation of the Zoo School summer school program!
  • ZooCamp: Junior Camp Counselors in ZooCamp act as support staff for Camp Counselors. They prepare activity materials, help facilitate activities, and support behavioral management for campers ages 6 – 13.
  • Farm Keeper's Aide: ZooTeens assigned to animal care will work in the Franklin Farm area. Here, they're exposed to modern animal husbandry techniques, including diet preparation, servicing animal habitats, record-keeping, basic animal enrichment, and insight into animal training.
  • Horticulture Aide: Teens working in Horticulture will assist in the planting and maintenance of new and existing gardens both in and out of exhibits at both Franklin Park Zoo including planting, weeding, and pruning. They will also learn plant identification and husbandry, permaculture, and horticultural principles and design while working in both exhibits and in the landscape.
  • Marketing Aide: The Marketing Aide will work within the Marketing and Communications office to support efforts to increase visitation, and highlight stories about conservation and animal care. This role will include taking and editing pictures and videos, interviewing staff, gathering information, and working closely with the Social Media Specialist to craft posts.

We're curious to learn about what types of shorter-term teen programming families and teens may be looking for from Franklin Park Zoo! If you have teen program interests, please consider sharing them in this short survey!