Seneca Park Zoo Volunteer Program Won National Award
The Rochester zoo’s teen program earned top honors for its long-standing work in wildlife education.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recently recognized the Seneca Park Zoo for its long-running ZooTeen program. The initiative provides local students with opportunities to engage in public speaking and wildlife education at the zoo.
Why it matters
This award highlights the program's significant role in local youth development and its success in community engagement through education. It celebrates over three decades of teen participation in Rochester's wildlife outreach efforts.
Since 1993, the ZooTeen program has mentored students in seventh through 12th grade. The initiative recently achieved a milestone of more than 600,000 recorded visitor interactions over the last eight years.
The players
Seneca Park Zoo
A Rochester-based institution that manages local conservation efforts and offers various educational programs for youth.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
A professional organization that sets accreditation standards and recognizes excellence among zoological facilities.
The details
To join the program, students must complete a formal application, interview, and training process to prepare for their roles. Once accepted, these teens work throughout the summer to provide education to zoo visitors about various animals, gaining hands-on experience in public speaking and career development.
Timeline
1993: The ZooTeen program was established.
Last eight years: ZooTeens recorded 600,000 visitor interactions.
The Home Front
This award reflects the growing trend of zoological facilities integrating formal youth-mentorship models into their public operations. It validates the impact of sustained, curriculum-based volunteerism on local community engagement.
Families with students in seventh through 12th grade should monitor the Seneca Park Zoo website for upcoming application cycles to join the program. Encouraging your teen to participate provides a structured way to gain professional experience and public speaking skills during the summer.
The takeaway
The recognition of the ZooTeen program confirms the value of long-term investments in youth education and community outreach. Families can look forward to future recruitment windows by keeping an eye on the zoo's official volunteer postings for the next season.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation and educational outreach initiatives in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHAM.
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