Volunteen Program

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The Volunteen Program promotes the personal and professional development of teenagers so that they become leaders in animal science and conservation education. 

The Volunteen Program is designed for high school students ages 14 to 17. Volunteens work toward a minimum of 160 service hours over the course of the program year, with specific hour requirements during each of the three terms. This is a year-round program. Through their participation, Volunteens will develop advocacy for themselves and others, empathy for the world around them, and commitment, leadership, and customer service skills. They will also learn in-depth information about animal species, care, and conservation.

Our program runs June 1 through the following May 31 each year.

14-17 years old


  • Applications will open at 9 a.m. on January 1, 2025, and will close at 5 p.m. on January 31, 2025.
  • All portions of the application must be complete by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Zoo Atlanta Volunteen Program Application Instructions

Due Date: Wednesday January 31, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

The first step is to complete the online application form and essay. This should be completed by the Volunteen candidate with no assistance from others. The application will ask for basic information and emergency contacts.

There will be a section to upload a short essay as part of the application.

The essay should answer the following questions:

  1.  Why do you want to be in the Volunteen Program?
  2. What are your career/college goals and how would this program support those goals?
  3. Why is conservation important to you?

The length of the essay is up to you; however, please do not exceed two pages. Tell us what you think we need to know about you and why you would make a good candidate for our Volunteen Program.

Volunteen Application

(Please note this link will not be live until Jan. 1, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.)

This can be written by anyone except a family member. Coaches, youth group leaders, and employers are all good examples of people to ask. The form should clearly state why the applicant is a good fit for the program. The recommendation will be submitted via an online form and will not be visible to the applicant.

Applicants can copy the link below and send it to the person you would like to complete your recommendation for you. We recommend you ask someone several weeks before the deadline to allow them time to complete this for you on time.

Recommendation Form

  • Applications Open January 1, 2025
  • Applications Close January 31, 2025
  • Applications are reviewed by Zoo Atlanta staff: February 1 – February 28; Applicants will be notified of next steps in the process by March 1, 2025. If selected for an interview, interview dates will be shared after March 1. Interviews will be in person and held in March.
  • If selected to join the Volunteen Program, applicants will need to attend orientation with a parent. Orientation dates will be held in April.
  • Orientation will cover the required paperwork to be completed prior to the start of the program. Paperwork will be due by May 25.
  • The program year starts June 1, 2025. Required Volunteen training will be held the week of June 1 – 5, 2025.
  • Email Communication: Be sure to check your spam/junk folder regularly for missing communications from us

Download Instructions (PDF)

VOLUNTEEN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicants must complete all application steps to be considered for the program.
  • To be eligible for the program, Volunteens must be 14 to 17 years old by June 1, 2025, and be enrolled in high school (or equivalent program) for the 2025 – 2026 school year.
  • Volunteens must commit to:
    • 100 service hours in the summer semester (June 1 – August 31)
    • 30 hours in the fall (September 1 – December 31), and
    • 30 hours in the spring (January 1 – May 31).
  • Volunteens pay a $30 orientation fee to cover a name badge, uniform T-shirt, and access card. Scholarships are available for qualified applicants.
  • All Volunteens must have a current TB test on file for each year of active service by June 1.
  • All accepted new Volunteens are required to attend one orientation date with a parent.
  • The 2025-2026 program year begins June 1, 2025. Training Week, which is required for all Volunteens, will be June 1 through June 5, 2025. All five days are required, and make-up days will not be offered. 

If you have any questions about the Volunteen program, please reach out to the Supervisor of Youth Volunteers at teenvolunteer@zooatlanta.org. 

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