Zoo Careers 101 (Ages 13-17)
![Zoo veterinarian holding tortoise for vet exam while high-school aged students observe.](https://www.rwpzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20221106_155544827-1920x1446.jpg)
Zoo Careers 101: an introduction to how zoos work
Lots of people have dreamed of working with animals and spending their days where they can see elephants, sloths and red pandas living their best lives. The truth is it takes a ton of people from a variety of backgrounds to make a zoo successful. With Zoo Careers 101, a two-day career workshop, aspiring zoo professionals will spend two whole days learning from current zoo professionals from Education, Animal Care, Veterinary Medicine and Zoo Operations! From front of house and behind the scenes, participants will learn about exhibit design, animal care/health and more. Boxed lunch is also provided each day of the program. Capacity for this popular program is limited to 16 participants aged 13-17.
Come meet some of the nationally recognized zoo professionals that help put and keep Roger Williams Park Zoo on the map. You will learn about the variety of jobs needed to support one of the nations oldest zoological institutions and how we continue to provide state of the art care, exhibit design, and training to our animals as well as exciting events and experiential learning year-round. Venture with us behind the scenes to see how some of that work unfolds and how the Zoo is conserving wildlife and wild places both here in New England and around the world.
Saturday, November 9 & Sunday, November 10
Participant Pricing : $275 (covers both days of programming, course, materials, and lunch)
Zoo Careers 101 FAQs
Registrants will receive detailed information, including a map directing them to the designated pick-up and drop-off location. This is NOT the main entrance to the zoo. Pick-up and drop-off will be facilitated at Security Gate 5, near the Victorian Rose Garden. Late arrivals and pick-ups cannot be accommodated.
Yes! Each participant should bring snacks and a water bottle with them.
Participants with specialized diets are welcome to bring additional food/snacks to supplement the provided meals.
Participants will get closer to animals than general zoo visitors, but we cannot guarantee what, if any, touch opportunities might exist. We can guarantee that it will be extra special, and that we will surely make some memorable connections!
While all public spaces at the Zoo are wheelchair accessible, most behind-the-scenes areas are not. Please contact us immediately if you have any concerns about physical accessibility or if you would like to talk about any other needs your student may have while participating in this exciting opportunity.
Yes! Participants will participate in a lab program with our Veterinary Care team, prepare enrichment for animals with keepers and more.
At this time, masks are not required for most public areas of the zoo. Masks may be required when visiting certain behind the scenes areas at the discretion of the staff veterinarians and animal care staff. Please note these policies are subject to change.