# Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens

Summer volunteer program at the Cincinnati Zoo for ages 13-17: interpret animal habitats, help run summer camps, and work toward animal-care specialties. Apply Dec 1, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027 for summer 2027.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | $60 |
| Deadline | 2027-01-31 (verified 2026-07-27) |
| Eligibility | Grades 8–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Cincinnati, OH |
| Program dates | 2027-05-31 |
| Apply | https://cincinnatizoo.org/support/volunteer/ |

## About this program

# Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens

ZooTeens is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's summer teen volunteer program, putting 13- to 17-year-olds on the front lines of one of the nation's leading zoos. First- and second-year ZooTeens build public speaking skills, confidence, and animal knowledge by interpreting habitats around the zoo and supporting summer camp classes; returning teens take on leadership roles and can specialize in areas like animal care and handling, enrichment, conservation research, or the zoo's CREW conservation science center.

## What You'll Do

- Interpret animal habitats for zoo visitors and answer guest questions
- Assist summer camp classes (at least 40 hours) and staff visitor engagement stations
- Complete a minimum of 100 volunteer hours in your first two years (70 for veterans) across the summer season
- Advance into specialty and leadership tracks as a multi-year ZooTeen

## Who Should Apply

Teens between 13 and 17 years of age (as of the program's May 1 cutoff) who can commit to the summer volunteer season, which begins May 31, 2027 for the next cohort. Applications for summer 2027 are open December 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027, with decisions emailed April 2, 2027; the program is popular and cannot accept all applicants. A $60 non-refundable fee covers materials and uniform shirts.

## Outcomes

ZooTeens finish the summer with 70-100+ logged volunteer hours, real informal-education and conservation experience, and a multi-year pathway into animal care - one of the strongest zoo-career pipelines available to Ohio teens.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens cost?

Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens costs $60. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### What is the application deadline for Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens?

The application deadline is January 31, 2027 (deadline last verified July 27, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens?

Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens is open to students in grades 8–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens online or in person?

Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens is an in-person program based in Cincinnati, OH.

### How do I apply to Cincinnati Zoo ZooTeens?

Apply directly through Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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