'I Get To Work With Animals': Teenagers Volunteer At Tulsa Zoo Through Program

Teenagers interested in animals can volunteer at the Tulsa Zoo. They get a closer look at what it's really like behind the scenes.

Keeping these animals happy takes a lot of time and care.

Hannah Sanches and Aliyah Ambrosia help tend to the animals’ needs.

"I wanted to do it for a while," said Hannah. "I was looking for ways to get involved with the program because I plan on going into a field similar to this."

Hannah and Aliyah have the opportunity to work in different departments as part of Zoo Teens.

The year-round program accepts 50 teens. Students may apply after eighth grade and can stay in Zoo Teens until they graduate high school.

As Aliyah and Hannah progress through the program, they are able to work as zookeeper aids in different habitats.

The two say it's a good learning experience.

"You get to make a lot of good friends. You get a cool experience. It's not just, Oh, I did a summer camp, no, I got to do this thing, I got to work with animals, I have behind-the-scenes access to the zoo in some places," said Aliyah. "It's a really cool thing to get to know people who have similar interests."

"Public speaking, how to work specifically with different animals, and honestly, it's just a nice way to get to know people," Hannah said.

While the focus is on the animals, Hannah and Aliyah will leave fulfilled, too.

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