Zoo Career Explorers

Zoo Career Explorers is designed for motivated high school students interested in discovering the wide range of careers in zoos and nonprofit organizations.

This year-long program meets once a month on Saturdays (typically the third Saturday) from 10:00–11:30 a.m., offering a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at Zoo operations.

From January through August, participants take part in interactive career workshops covering eight key departments, including animal care, education, administration, horticulture, marketing & development, maintenance, visitor services, and veterinary care. Each session features a Zoo professional, hands-on activities, and projects tied to a student-selected animal.

In September, students present their projects, showcasing what they’ve learned about animal care, habitat, and life at the Zoo. During October and November, they gain real-world experience through half-day job shadow opportunities in their areas of interest. The program concludes in December with a final presentation focused on a career path explored throughout the year.

Registration fee is $120.

Registration for the 2026 Explorers Program is now closed.