Zoo ALIVE (Active Leaders in Volunteer Education) is the Saint Louis Zoo’s volunteer educator program for high school age students.

Zoo ALIVE is an inclusive community where teens from diverse backgrounds strengthen their connection to the natural world, build leadership skills and knowledge to co-create a culture that empowers them to make a difference in the world by addressing conservation issues through education, action projects and Zoo initiatives.

• Teens who will be at least 15 years old by June 1, 2023.
• We are seeking mature, responsible teens with an aptitude for leadership.
  
• Applicants should enjoy working with children, and should be interested in animals and conservation.
• No experience is necessary, but you must be willing to try new things, work together with members of our diverse group, and be an excellent representative of our world-class organization.
• Zoo ALIVE volunteers are required to lead discussions and demonstrate activities to groups of children and adults, so good communication skills are a must.
• Enthusiasm, confidence and a positive attitude are required!

Help Education Department staff members deliver programs for children of all ages, including camps, classes and overnights.

Assist with a variety of Zoo conservation efforts, including the endangered American Burying Beetle and Partula snails, #byetobags conservation action campaign, and citizen science.

We expect a lot from the young adults in this program. It is rewarding for us and can be life-changing for the teens who rise to the challenge. If you are wondering if your teen is ready for this program, please click here to see our expectations.

Enjoy day and weekend trips to explore and connect with nature and wildlife, and optional international travel opportunities as well.

All Zoo ALIVE volunteers are required to attend a monthly meeting throughout the year, usually held the first Sunday of each month from 5 – 7:30 p.m. At the meeting, volunteers receive training for upcoming volunteer opportunities, leadership skills and learn about current events and happenings at the Zoo or with the environment. Teens create and give presentations about environmental topics of their interest. There is also time to socialize and get to know other volunteers.

Besides the meeting, volunteers are asked to donate their time for at least two Zoo activities per month for at least one whole year.

New Zoo ALIVE volunteers are also required to attend a Volunteer Orientation, Camp Training and volunteer for two consecutive weeks at Camp KangaZoo, the Zoo's summer day camp.

Meet Zoo staff, learn all about the Zoo and its amazing animals, and explore a variety of conservation related careers.

Zoo ALIVE is a year-round program, which requires at least one full year commitment. If you are interested in volunteering only in the summer, see the Volunteer Opportunities page and scroll to the bottom of the page for "Zoo Teens," the summer-only teen volunteer program.

All Zoo volunteers, including Zoo ALIVE teens, must pass a background check. Volunteers must agree to follow all of the Zoo's volunteer policies and procedures, including dress code, code of conduct and all COVID-19 safety policies. We communicate using Teams and email, so Zoo ALIVE teens must have an email account that they can check regularly. Most volunteer opportunities take place at the Zoo, so you must have reliable transportation or be willing and able to take public transportation to the Zoo.

We will accept up to 30 new Zoo ALIVE members, based on your application and an in-person interview on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

The Zoo ALIVE application materials must be received no later than Friday, March 3, 2023. The first 44 individuals that submit completed applications (all parts complete) will be invited to interview. Application materials may be sent via email or by mail to:

Eve Cooney, Manager of Youth Programs
Saint Louis Zoo Education Department
1 Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110
cooney@stlzoo.org

There are a limited number of positions, so not all applicants can be accepted into the program. We hope that you will find the application and interview process valuable, even if you are not accepted. Final selections will be made and applicants will be notified in April 2023.

For more information, please e-mail Eve Cooney at cooney@stlzoo.org or call/text her at (314) 568-0007.

Whether or not you are not selected for Zoo ALIVE you are still welcome and encouraged to apply to Zoo Teens, the Saint Louis Zoo's summer-only teen volunteer program.

The Application period is open! The deadline for this year’s application is March 3, 2023 and includes several steps:

Step 1: Fill out the Zoo ALIVE Application

• Go to this link to get started on your Zoo ALIVE Application and Volunteer Intake Forms! (Allow about 1 hour to complete)
• Make sure that your parent/guardian is with you because they will need to electronically sign a release at the very end of the application (if you are under 18 yrs old).
  

• You will need to choose some appointment dates and times and choose dates that you are available this summer, so you will need your family calendar.

• You can preview the application here but can only complete it online by following the link above.

Step 2: Recommendation and Medical Health Forms

We need to receive two additional forms from you before March 3 – either via email or mail to the address above.

• Send the recommendation form to one or more teachers or youth leaders who know you well. We only need to receive one Recommendation form.
• Medical/Health Form

Step 3: Interview Process

If you are one of the first 44 individuals to complete the application process, you will receive an email inviting you to the interview on March 12. The application will close on March 3 or earlier if 44 completed applications have been submitted. Note that the recommendation and medical health forms listed above still need to be received by March 3 in order for your application to be complete.

After your interview on March 12 and if you are accepted, you will be directed to a website to complete a background check and complete an online training before May 1.

Group Interview Info

Group interviews will be held at the Zoo on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Group interviews will be held in 2 sessions, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. All applicants are required to attend one group interview session. The only exception is illness/quarantine.