Join the 2025 Teen Ambassador Volunteer Program!

Are you a high school-aged student passionate about wildlife, conservation and making an impact? Apply now for the Teen Ambassador Volunteer Program and become a part of a vibrant community of conservation leaders!

Through this program, teens will:

• Engage young minds in Zoomazium, the zoo’s indoor nature play space, volunteering with early childhood audiences.
• Be an ambassador for the zoo’s new Reptile Realm and inspire our guests with stories about our reptiles and what guests can do to support reptiles in the wild.
• Learn about how we care for and enrich the lives of animals that live at Woodland Park Zoo and share our story with guests.
• Collect scientific observational data for the zoo to help us understand our animal’s daily habits and how guests perceive them.
• Make friends, participate in weekly meetings with other teens to explore conservation careers, and build valuable public speaking, leadership and teamwork experience.

Space is limited in this program; we will be bringing 20 Teen Ambassadors onboard this year.

While all interested teens may apply, this program is specifically designed for teens who are excited to pursue their first volunteer or career-related role and do not have extensive experience. Applicants who match some or all the criteria below, but have not had prior volunteer or work opportunities, will be prioritized.

The Teen Ambassador Volunteer Program is designed for teens who:

• Love animals and want to share their passion for wildlife.
• Want to connect with other teens who care about conservation.
• Are eager to learn more about conservation.
• Are both enthusiastic about this program and excited to have a first opportunity to grow their skills in leadership, teamwork, and public speaking, no prior experience preferred!

 

Applications are open now!

See below for more information about qualifications and dates.

APPLY NOW

 

At the Woodland Park Zoo, we are committed to creating an environment that fully includes and supports all individuals, recognizing the diverse needs of our community. We strive to seamlessly integrate accessibility and accommodations into every aspect of our services, programs, and employment opportunities, ensuring that everyone can participate fully and equally.

For any assistance, information, or support you may need to engage fully in the Teen Ambassador Program—from the application process to interviews and beyond—please do not hesitate to contact our Volunteer Program Staff at volunteer@zoo.org. We are here to ensure that your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

What’s it like to be a Teen Ambassador?

Hear from our 2024 Cohort:

• “…I became more comfortable with public speaking and gained more knowledge on interaction with young children.”
• “…The community was always supportive and open respectful. I felt like I belonged and like all of the people around me also did because of the involved staff and community.”
• “I have become better at asking questions!”
• “I met a lot of great people and made friends in this program.”

Check out our Social Story to learn more!

Through this program, teens will have the opportunities to bring a youth voice to inspire conservation actions, connect with guests about wildlife and conservation, and foster community with fellow teens. The Teen Ambassador Volunteer Program is geared towards high school students that want to create empathy connections between our guests, animals, the environment, and communities.

 

Corporate Service Projects

Corporate volunteer groups are accepted on a limited basis, please email corpengagement@zoo.org to request information.

 

Contact Us

Volunteer Program

If you cannot find the answers to your questions about volunteering or need additional help please contact program staff at volunteer@zoo.org or 206.548.2450 (email preferred).