Do you know a young person who is wild about wildlife, committed to conservation, and/or zany for zoos? If so, the Junior Conservationist Club could be for them. This spring, Zoo New England is excited to debut a new program for 11-13 year-olds to get behind-the-scenes access and real training and experience in conservation alongside the pros at Franklin Park Zoo. We know how hard it can be to find meaningful, educational activities for kids who are starting to develop passions they may want to pursue in high school and beyond – something challenging, but still accessible to growing minds. For three hours on a Sunday from March to early April, we invite you to do a deep dive into the amazing work that Zoo New England does every day to preserve and protect wildlife.
With five different standalone sessions to choose from or combine, Jr. Conservationists will delve into every aspect of conservation at Zoo New England. Interested in what it’s like to be a zoo keeper, learn more about the history and current state of zoos, and forge a bond with the incredible animals who call the zoo home? The Zoos Then and Now session will have just what you’re looking for. Are you an intrepid adventurer looking to see what the zoo’s Field Conservation team does to help wild animals beyond the zoo? The Field Conservation Skills session will give you a taste of what it’s like.
The opportunity to learn directly from zoo professionals in a small-group environment is not to be missed for the animal-loving kid in your life. Each session is limited to just 12 participants, so don’t miss your chance to get a spot by registering online today. Signing up for all five sessions entitles you to a 10% discount – a savings of more than $30!
The Jr. Conservationists Club is a collaboration between our field conservation staff, youth programs staff and Teen Ambassadors. The Teen Ambassadors are a group of motivated high schoolers who work at the Zoo each weekend to care for animals and educate guests about conservation. Several of our Teen Ambassadors have been zoo program participants for a long time. Former Jr. ZooTeens and current Teen Ambassadors, Sean and Grace , are excited to help with the program. Sean named, “I think it’s really good that we are starting with conservation and that that’s our zoo’s main focus.”
Another Teen Ambassador, Nelly, is also excited to share about the conservation work of Zoo New England. Nelly stated, “Zoos used to be not good places but zoos have changed a lot and that they do a lot of work for conservation now.”
Visit the new page on Zoo New England’s website to learn more and sign up today!