Tulsa Zoo Volunteer Program Shows Teens How To Be A Zookeeper

Today on the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch, we're featuring the Tulsa Zoo Teen Volunteer Program.

Education Manager Claire Stephenson and student volunteer Carter Skelley join Tess Maune to talk about the Tulsa Zoo Teen Volunteer Program.

Claire has worked at the Tulsa Zoo for five years. But three years ago, she took on the job of Education Manager for the Teen Volunteer Program.

Claire said the teen volunteers are broken into four groups: 1st year students are Rookies, 2nd year students are Specialists, 3rd year students are Supervisors, and 4th year students are Veterans.

She said that the program is very selective when it comes to the teen volunteers accepted into the program. She looks for students who are driven and committed.

She said all of the teen volunteers wash dishes, clean up cages and more. There is also some interaction with animals.

Students may apply after 8th grade and teens may remain in the program until they graduate their senior year.

Claire said the participants become friends and even connect outside of the program. A few Tulsa Zoo staff were apart of the program as well.

Carter Skelley is one of about 50 active teens enrolled in the program. He has been a teen volunteer for almost three years. He is a Specialist and will be moving up to be a Supervisor in May.

His favorite area to volunteer is the Children’s Zoo. He loves working with the kangaroos.

Carter wants to be a wildlife photographer one day and is really interested in meteorologists. He said the program has taught him to value responsibility.

For any teen interested in enrolling the program, Claire said she will be holding two Zoo Teen Info Meetings on Feb. 3, offering more details.

One session is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the other from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information.