What is the Zoo ALIVE program?​

ZooALIVE is a volunteer leadership program for enthusiastic teenagers who wish to develop their skills as conservation educators at the Pueblo Zoo. Through the program, the teenagers learn how to confidently interact with visitors, give presentations about the ambassador animals, and convey important messages concerning wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation. These ambassador animals act as educational representatives rather than being kept as pets, and the teenagers receive training so as to deal with them safely, respectfully, and professionally.

 

At the five-day intensive training camp, the participants are taught the correct techniques for handling animals, how to give public speeches, strategies for engaging guests, and the safety procedures necessary for working in a zoo environment. They also obtain a better understanding of how zoos function and the role that modern zoos play in global conservation efforts. Once the training is completed, ZooALIVE teenagers carry out volunteer duties throughout the year, helping with guest education, taking part in special events, and engaging in conservation-focused activities.

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Who Can Apply?

To take part, applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 17 by the time their training camp begins and should have a keen interest in animals, conservation, the natural sciences, education, zoology, or wildlife stewardship. ZooALIVE is a program aimed at teenagers who are eager to learn, to communicate, and to develop their skills as conservation educators.

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Training Sessions (2027)​

The Pueblo Zoo holds two training camps for new applicants to ZooALIVE. The Spring Break Training Camp takes place from March 22 to 26, 2027, while the Summer Training Camp is from June 7 to 11, 2027. Both camps are held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and require attendance for the entire week. Applications can be submitted at any time of the year. In the case where an application is received well in advance of the next camp, the Education Department will confirm receipt, store the application, and then consider it during the relevant deadline period. The deadline for the spring session is February 1, and that for the summer session is May 1.

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What ZooALIVERS Should Expect​

The ZooALIVE teenagers frequently interact with strangers, give guests information about the ambassador animals, and provide accurate conservation messages. They must adhere to all the zoo's safety rules, show professionalism when representing the Pueblo Zoo, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Aside from engaging with visitors, the ZooALIVE participants help the staff with various cleaning and maintenance duties such as wiping surfaces, sweeping, sorting out the educational areas, restocking supplies, and clearing up after the animals. They also carry out any other reasonable tasks that the Education Department assigns them in order to assist staff and enhance the guest experience. The program is intended for teenagers who are truly interested in animals, conservation, and education.

 

Animal Handling Levels​

The more years a volunteer has spent actively taking part, the higher their animal-handling privileges become. Volunteers in their first year start at the beginner level, those in their second year are promoted to intermediate handling, and volunteers who have three or more years' experience may be given advanced handling status depending on their performance, reliability, and receipt of approval from the staff. This system recognizes and rewards both dedication and the development of skills.

 

Volunteer Expectations After Training ​

ZooALIVE members are required to carry out a minimum of 25 volunteer hours in the year after they have been trained. The shifts usually last two hours and are offered on weekends, on days when there are special events, and during school holidays. Those teenagers who fail to meet the required minimum might be asked to retrain or have their participation reevaluated. Since most teenagers depend on their parents or legal guardians for transportation, families will need to be able to support their child's volunteer timetable.

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Yearly Recommitment Requirement

Every January, members who are currently involved in ZooALIVE are sent a Recommitment Form. Teens have the entire month to make it clear that they wish to stay in the program. If they do not reply by January 31st, they will be taken out of the program. People who want to rejoin after having been removed must pay the program fee once more and go through the initial training camp again. In all cases, exceptional circumstances are taken into account, and families who are going through hard times should get in touch with the Education Department to talk about possible adjustments.​

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Parent Communication Expectations

After a teenager has been accepted into ZooALIVE, all official communication is by email. This covers newsletters, updates to the schedule, reminders, details about events, changes to the policies, modifications and cancellations due to the weather, notices regarding recommitment, and any other urgent information. It is expected that parents and guardians will check their email regularly so that their teenager remains informed, prepared, and aware of forthcoming opportunities and expectations.

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Program Fee and Scholarships

The week-long training, the volunteer shirt, the Pueblo Zoo accessories, and ongoing participation are all included in the program fee. Members of the Pueblo Zoo pay $200, while non-members have to pay $225. Families who qualify can receive a 25% scholarship.

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​ZooALIVE Application Form​​​

25% scholarships are available!

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Questions?

Email Emma with any ZooALIVE program questions at ejarrett@pueblozoo.org