Zoo or aquarium volunteering
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen is a volunteer program run by Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose, CA. Open to: ages 14 to 17.
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17
- minimum age posted
- Status
- Accepting applications
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
Happy Hollow's teen program for students interested in zookeeping, zoo education, veterinary care, or conservation biology. It is competitive with limited spots.
ZooTeens conduct Meet & Greets, assist with animal care routines, and act as camp counselors.
Key facts
- Run by
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
- Where
- San Jose, CA
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17Ages 14 to 17
- Commitment
- Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month
- Applications
- Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Cost
- Not posted
- To apply
- Volunteer application
- One-page cover letter
- Interview
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the ZooTeen details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
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| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation LeadersVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Monterey, CA | 14 and up | Volunteer 3 to 4 days per week; summer program June 8 to August 2, 2026 with mandatory training | Applications closed for 2026; interviews were in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Summer InternshipsInternship · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 11 to 12 | About 200 hours across 7 weeks, Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm; Summer 2026 ran June 10 to about August 1 | Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Oakland Zoo Teen Wild GuidesVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | 13 and up | Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer | Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and InternsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | Oakland, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026 | Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Junior ZoologistVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 17 | Two days per month for six months | Not posted |
| San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail VolunteerVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium | San Francisco, CA | Ages 12 to 14 | Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September | Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
All zoo and aquarium programs in the Bay AreaPre-Vet and Animal Science opportunitiesBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen?
Ages 14 to 17. Ages 14 to 17
How many hours does Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen require?
Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month
When does Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen take applications?
Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
What do you need to apply?
Volunteer application, One-page cover letter, Interview.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/happy-hollow-zooteen.
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