ZooTeens is a volunteer program for 13 through 17 year-olds interested in wildlife, people, and helping HPZS.

ZooTeens commit to 20 hours of service each semester and are in charge of one major project for the zoo.

Zooteens are involved with many different things as the zoo. They are responsible for putting on an Earth Day Celebration, help with major Zoo events, booths on the Square and help educate the visiting public about the animals that live at the zoo.

The ZooTeen program starts each semester with an orientation. Teens will participate in team building, animal workshops, and other events. Depending on the time of year, teens may have the opportunity to volunteer for Zoo Camps, special events, and weekend programs.

Teens get to decide on animal workshops they want to learn about, projects they want to work on, and other opportunities (workshop example: animal food prep.)

ZooTeen Semesters

• Spring Semester: Jan to May
• Fall Semester: Sept to Dec
• Summer Semester: June to Aug. –For Teens already in the program ONLY

ZooTeen must begin the program at the start of a semester. ZooTeens may continue on to other semesters as long as they can participate in at least 20 hours of service each semester.

Once a teen turns 18, he or she can begin training to go on to the docent program.

 For more information on the ZooTeen program, please contact the Education Coordinator, Leah Wacks (928) 778-4242 ext. 18 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Sign up today for 2013 Summer Zoo Camp!

Choose from 5 weeks of Summer Zoo Camp Fun! Get hands on experience with the animals, participate in games, explore wildlife and nature by conducting wild investigations and creating amazing crafts.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

• Week 1: June 10-14 - Leaders of the Pack: Discover animal leaders of all kinds
  
• Week 2: June 17-21 - Color Me Wild: Learn about our many colorful creatures
• Week 3: July 8-12 - Animal Tracks: Introduction to animal tracking and signs* Week 3 is now full!
  
• Week 4: July 15-19 - Pack, Herd, Flock: Why do animals find safety in numbers
• Week 5: July 22-26 - Desert Oasis: Learn about the different types of desert animals
  

Camp runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm Monday-Friday.

• Age groups are 6-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds.
• The cost per week is $150/members and $175/non-members.

For more information or to register, call 778-4242. Click here for 2013 Summer Zoo Camp Registration Form

DOCENTS:

WHAT EXACTLY IS A "DOCENT"? The dictionary's definition is "tutor". Docents are akin to educators and Docents here at the sanctuary fulfill the vital role of conveying information about the sanctuary's living collection; assisting at special events; leading outreaches in the community and always leaving a memorable impression of our facility. Docents are ambassadors for the animals that through no fault of their own, must spend their lives in captivity.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A DOCENT?: Attend a six week (once per week) workshop that covers the sanctuary animals; how to give tours to different age groups; animal handling classes; and outreach training. You will receive a manual, t-shirt and name tag for which there is a small fee to cover costs involved. You are also required to attend informal quarterly meetings and additional training classes.

To join this incredible group, contact Leah Wacks Education Coordinator at 928 778 4242X18, or Claire Waite Docent Coordinator at 928 458 0334.

Click Here to find out more about being a Keeper for a Day!