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Teen Wild Guides

Heron

Our popular Teen Wild Guide (TWG) program is an important part of our volunteer corps consisting of young people interested in animals, conservation and our many young guests. They are motivated, friendly and have a lot of fun! Participants will be trained as interpreters in the Valley Children's Zoo, teaching visitors about animals and monitoring the goat/sheep barn. As TWGs develop within the program, they will have the opportunity to plan and participate in service learning projects, assist keepers and gain leadership experience.

 

 

Why Become a Teen Wild Guide? (TWG)

There are many reasons to consider joining this exciting program, including:

  • To gain knowledge and zoo work experience, especially for those interested in a future career with animals.
  • To gain experience working with children.
  • To build community service hours.
  • To gain valuable public speaking skills.
  • To meet other teens with similar interests.
  • To do something new and fun!

Responsibilities

A Teen Wild Guide's responsibilities consists of working in the Valley Children's Zoo at a variety of stations designed to help children to learn about and experience our animals, including:

  • Working in the petting yard with our goats and sheep, monitoring the animals and teaching children about animal care.
  • Providing animal information to the public using a variety of biofacts and other educational tools.
  • Painting hands while teaching about animals including bats, lemurs, and bugs.

Depending on how long they are in the program, teens may be able to work at stations in other areas of the zoo and help with projects that assist Animal Care Keepers.

Core Schedule

  • Shifts run from 9:30am-4pm with a 30 minute lunch and 20 minute break.
  • During the school year, Teen Wild Guides are expected to volunteer every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday shifts available).
  • During Summer, Teen Wild Guides are expected to volunteer once a week (specific days vary, but typically 4-5 shifts per week are available).

Program Requirements

  • Teens must be be 13+ years old or will turn 13 within the season they are applying for.
  • Must be responsible and punctual.
  • Must be able to act in a professional manner while representing the zoo.
  • Must pay a program fee of $50 upon joining the program and then $25 annually for as long as you remain in the program — If this fee would inhibit your ability to join the Teen Wild Guide program, please fill out this Financial Aid Application after submitting an application and we may have the funds to cover part or all of this cost.

Please email me using the email at the bottom of this page if any of these requirements will get in the way of you volunteering as a Teen Wild Guide.

Application Process

Important Dates & Deadlines

Please review Teen Wild Guides Important Dates below to ensure that you will be able to attend before applying to be a Teen Wild Guide.

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Summer 2026

Info meetings to learn more about this program as well as our other summer teen opportunities will be held on both March 8 & 9 at 4:30pm over Microsoft Teams:

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Topic: Teen Programs Info Meeting

Time: March 8 & 9, 2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Microsoft Teams (Need help?)

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID:276 795 065 500

Passcode:6aa65XN2

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Applications Due

  • April 1 by 5pm

Training Dates (both training dates are mandatory)

  • Sunday, May 3 from 10am-4pm
  • Saturday, May 9 from 10am-4pm
    • 1:30-4pm - families invited for potluck dinner and a chance to see their teen practice interpretation

How to Apply

  • Teens interested in becoming a Teen Wild Guide will need to submit an application online.
    • This application is open year - round. If you apply past the 'deadline' for each season, your application will be viewed during the next round of onboarding
  • Attending one of the information meetings is highly recommended so that you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program.
  • After we receive your completed application, participants will be contacted for an interview.
  • Once accepted, teens must attend the two training sessions associated with the season they are applying for — see dates listed above. Training is essential to being a well prepared volunteer and, as such, we are unable to provide make-up training sessions.

Questions?

Please read Teen Wild Guide FAQ's. Still have questions? Please email teenprograms@oaklandzoo.org.

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