ZooTeens
Make an impact on desert conservation and become part of the next generation of wildlife leaders.
Are you already a ZooTeen?
Why Join ZooTeens?
Joining ZooTeens offers a unique opportunity share your passion for wildlife conservation and gain valuable life and job readiness skills while volunteering in fun and engaging environment.
The ZooTeen Program is a 4-year program, with
each year building on the previous year.
Whether you do one year or all four, the ZooTeen program offers opportunities to explore zoology, conservation, guest services, public speaking, and career development.
Applications to the ZooTeen program are now open through April 10!
Make a Difference
Develop Your Leadership Skills
Unlock Scholarship Opportunities
Receive Career Guidance
Have Fun
Get Hands-On with Conservation
ZooTeens Spotlight
Kara
“Being a ZooTeen has been life changing! I have learned so much while meeting amazing people and animals. The Living Desert is one of my favorite places in the world and I am so lucky to volunteer here.”
Kooper
“The ZooTeen program has supported me and helped me develop the skills I need to be successful in my future career in conservation. It offers so many life changing opportunities that you would otherwise never get to experience. The volunteer staff and fellow ZooTeens truly make the program what it is. I’m so happy I’ve been able to be a part of this team of amazing conservationists!”
Kara
“Being a ZooTeen has been life changing! I have learned so much while meeting amazing people and animals. The Living Desert is one of my favorite places in the world and I am so lucky to volunteer here.”
Kooper
“The ZooTeen program has supported me and helped me develop the skills I need to be successful in my future career in conservation. It offers so many life changing opportunities that you would otherwise never get to experience. The volunteer staff and fellow ZooTeens truly make the program what it is. I’m so happy I’ve been able to be a part of this team of amazing conservationists!”
"The ZooTeen program has taught my daughter punctuality, patience, prudence, teamwork, and team building, and made her step out of her comfort zone by talking to people from around the world on a regular basis. Most importantly, it cemented her passion for pursuing a career in zoology and conservation. I can’t say enough about the wonderful people she works with and how she really enjoys going to volunteer. Working hands-on with animals is a dream come true for her. We love the ZooTeen program, and if asked if we would ever do it again, the answer is YES, 100x over."
The Living Desert Scholarship Fund
Awarded to students in the Coachella Valley, The Living Desert Scholarship Fund gives annually to students pursuing natural science careers or conservation related fields.
The Scholarship is renewable for up to four years for students maintaining good academic standing in conservation related majors. The award, typically between $2,000 to $5,000 per year, supports expenses like tuition, books, and other college-related costs.
Scholarships are offered in partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley as part of a coordinated college success program. We are a partner on the Regional Plan for College and Career Success and are committed to improving educational attainment and economic mobility for local students.
Scholarship Impact
In 2025, The Living Desert awarded $54,000 in college scholarships. Meet one of our scholarship recipients, Samantha, below.
“The Living Desert scholarship has given me the opportunity to devote more time to internships in wildlife and environmental conservation. Furthermore, this scholarship helped me feel more supported and encouraged me to pursue my dream of studying marine biology. I am currently working on a seagrass restoration project. We study sediment cores and extract eDNA to study short-term, organic carbon sequestration. Two sites are currently being monitored in Moorea and California. Additionally, I am planning to create my own research poster or senior thesis on calcium carbonate remains in these samples. Alongside my time in the lab, I am completing my American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific scuba diving certification this spring with hopes of joining my lab in collecting more sediment samples over the summer. The scholarship I received from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has helped me to spend time building skills and connections in the environmental conservation field instead of working a full-time job to pay for school”
ZooTeens Requirements
Qualifications
- Must be 14 to 18 years of age by June 1
- Enjoy people and interacting with others
- Be willing and able to represent The Living Desert in a friendly and professional manner
Requirements
- Complete and submit the ZooTeen Application
- Attend ZooTeen orientation
- Commit to a full year of service
- Commit to two shifts of volunteering service per month
- Participate in special events throughout the year
- Attend monthly meetings
- Complete monthly and yearly projects
ZooTeens Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements for ZooTeens?
The ZooTeen program is open to volunteers who are 14 to 18 years of age by June 1.
Do I need any prior experience to join ZooTeens?
No prior experience is necessary! We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to learn.
How often do ZooTeens volunteer?
What kind of activities are ZooTeen involved in and what do they learn?
As a ZooTeen, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable life and job readiness skills while volunteering in a fun and collaborative environment. ZooTeens receive training in public speaking and guest services, as well as area-specific training in our guest interactions areas such as the Goat Kraal, Discovery Center, G-Scale Model Train Display, and more!
Year One – Foundation and Learning: Introduce ZooTeens to zoology, conservation, guest service and interpretation.
Year Two – Conservation and Engagement: Dive deeper into conservation issues and actively engage in conservation projects.
Year Three – Leadership Development: Developing leadership skills for careers in conservation, education and zoo management.
Year Four – Career Development: Job shadowing, scholarship guidance and personal career development
