Thompson Park Conservancy test page
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Teen Programs

Zoo New York introduces the youth of Northern New York to the competitive field of animal care and fosters an appreciation of our region’s wildlife through conservation education.

In 2023, we are officially discontinuing the program formerly called Zoo Teens.  With education as our driver, we will be revealing a new program in March called Conservation Keepers which will be taking the place of Zoo Teens. 

NEW PROGRAM

Conservation Keepers Program

Join us in this NEW teen program, Conservation Keepers, blending zookeeping and conservation education.  If your teen is interested in exploring the field of Zoo keeping, is interested in working with animals, and is looking to explore conservation-related fields, this program is for them.


This new program includes shadowing keepers throughout the Zoo and learning about current and past conservation and/or environmental topics in a classroom-like setting. The program is a total of 6 days, over three weeks. 


  • Orientation is on July 6th.  Youth will be assigned a section, either July 12-14 or 19-21 (depending on the number of applicants we may open another section), with the final two days on July 31st and August 1st. 


Teens still need to apply for a spot in the program and go through an interview process before registration is complete. 


A registration form will be released as it becomes available.  

The nature of the program requires that participants are able to:

  • Work independently and in small groups
  • Follow multi-step directions
  • Be able to tolerate strong smells, loud or sudden noise, outdoor conditions, tightly cramped areas, and allergens (nuts, grains, hay, fur, feathers)


Youth are suggested to bring:

  • snacks if they want
  • waterbottle
  • sunscreen
  • hat
  • appropriate weather gear
  • REQUIRED: Closed-toed boots (hiking, work, or rubber)


For more information about the Zoo Teens change to the Conservation Keeper program please contact:

Haley Sylvan, Director of Conservation Education (315) 755-0896 | sylvan@zoonewyork.org  

Why the Change

It is after significant debate and reflection that we are discontinuing the program called Zoo Teens as of the end of the 2022 season.  We will be continuing with Teen programs and will have new options coming as of March 2023.

Activities in this program may* include:

  • Shadowing keepers in their daily routine. (Cleaning, preparing enrichments, training, diets)
  • Interacting with animal professionals
  • Touring the Zoo
  • Making animal observations
  • Learning how we can all protect wildlife and nature.
  • Exploring conservation topics in an open forum.


Get the Application here!

Application Deadline on May 10th! 

2023 Conservation Keeper Application (pdf)Download

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