This summer, the Zoo will be teaming with nearly 70 teens from around the area as part of our environmental education efforts to the public. These teens, ranging in age from 13 to 18, are trained in important conservation education and given resources to present this information to hundreds of thousands of Zoo visitors. The Zoo has improved the program this year by reinvesting in its education emphasis. We have reached out to local universities, nature organizations and related businesses to provide deeper insight into the teens' environmental messages and are enhancing each station with more hands-on materials and more interactive displays.

What is the ZooTeens program?
The ZooTeens program began in 1993, to give young adults the opportunity to explore their interests in ecology and conservation. The teens are chosen from a pool of applications. The unique training ZooTeens receive engages them not only in the sciences, but also provides activities that foster self-esteem and encourage positive social interactions.

ZooTeens are responsible for eight stations throughout the Zoo which promote environmental awareness and education on a variety of topics. Station themes are:

• Energy Conservation: Addressing renewable energy and non-traditional energy including solar, wind, hydro-electrical, geo-thermal and tidal. 
• Backyard Habitats: Understanding local wildlife and "green" gardening.
• Wetland Habitats: Showcasing the benefits of wetlands.
• Snow Leopard Conservation: Focusing on this endangered species.
• Bees and Bugs: Acknowledging the importance of bees and invertebrates.
• Recycling and Composting: Observing the stages of composting and more.
• Africa's Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Zoo's upcoming exhibit. Featuring information about this special conservation region in the world.
• Face Painting: A fun activity to raise funds for conservation efforts at the Zoo and beyond.

Interested in becoming a ZooTeen next summer?
Download an application and teacher reference form by clicking on the links below. Applications for the 2011 ZooTeens Program for new teens must be postmarked by April 15, 2011. Applications for returning ZooTeens must be postmarked by April 30, 2011. Please send materials to Seneca Park Zoo Society, ZooTeens Program, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14621.