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An Educator is talking with a young white girl in pink at the Mud Cafe with a steel counter behind her that is littered with kitchen utensils.
Sixth Through Twelfth Grade Students

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

The North Carolina Zoo Teen Volunteer Program gives students in sixth through twelfth grade the opportunity to explore wildlife, build new skills, and make a positive impact in their community. Offered each summer from May through August, the program is open to rising sixth graders through recent high school graduates. Participants gain hands-on experience, connect with fellow teen conservation enthusiasts, and support the Zoo’s mission in a fun, engaging environment.

More teen volunteer programs will be added for 2026, with full descriptions available starting January 1, 2026. Check back then for updates and new opportunities!

Sixth Through Twelfth Grade Students
Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Explore the opportunities where teens can volunteer at the North Carolina Zoo:

New programs coming soon! 

Play Pal teen volunteer moving a bubble wand with a large bubble coming out
Play Pals
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A teacher is leading a group of six children sitting on a wooden porch, demonstrating a craft project using repurposed materials like cardboard and egg cartons.
Camp Crew
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A Wildlife Rehab Center employee wearing blue latex gloves is hand-feeding a small mammal with a syringe on a wooden table in a medical setting..
Junior Wildlife Assistant
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Have questions?

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for answers about volunteering at the North Carolina Zoo? Our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page has you covered with helpful information all in one place.

Read FAQs
A female intern with dark hair pulled into a bun and wearing a red shirt stands next to a rock wall holding a small black tablet collecting data at the grizzly bear habitat.