Zoo CREW



Zoo Champions for Restoring Endangered Wildlife (Zoo CREW), formerly Junior Zoo Apprentice Program (JZAP), is a 3 year program that inspires and guides teens, primarily from lower-income households, in conservation action that directly helps an endangered animal species. Applicants must currently be in 9th grade. Preference is given to students from challenged communities.

Program Overview

Year 1: Students learn hands on animal husbandry skills while volunteering, attend trainings to gain knowledge and understanding of wildlife and environmental issues, and participate in off-site eco-excursions to work with conservation partners to help protect animals and habitats.

Year 2: Students break into small groups to develop, plan and complete a multi-faceted conservation action project that directly helps an endangered animal species.

Year 3: Students take their experience and knowledge to their communities by conducting “Save our Species” presentations to both educate and inspire conservation action.

The culmination of the program is a one-week eco-excursion to support Zoo conservation efforts aimed to save endangered animal species in the wild. Students also participate in regional events to showcase their work, take part in one-on-one college prep sessions and are provided with science and conservation career development opportunities.

Zoo CREW Benefits

One of the many benefits of Zoo CREW is that students get to work with animals! Zoo CREW participants are specially trained to handle many of the small animals in the Children's Zoo's teaching collection. Students are also exposed to many new life experiences and meet peers from all over the Philadelphia area. Zoo Champions, like all Philadelphia Zoo volunteers and employees, are also entitled to free Zoo passes, discounts on food, beverages and merchandise, and invitations to special recognition events.

Zoo CREW Eligibility

  • Applicants must be at least 14 years old as of July 1.
  • Applicants must currently be in 9th grade.
  • Preference is given to students from lower-income families or challenged communities.

Zoo CREW Requirements

All program members must complete all program offerings in accordance to the attendance policy in order to be eligible for program benefits. All potential program members should be aware that they may be required to work both Saturdays and Sundays. Program members are expected to maintain excellent attendance, punctuality and conduct. If you are involved in other extracurricular activities, you are not excused from your commitment to Zoo CREW. Uniform shirts and sweatshirts will be provided; students must provide their own khaki pants and sturdy shoes.

Zoo CREW Availability

Zoo CREW is a three year program that requires active participation year round. It is not a summer only program! Students are expected to be available to volunteer any day of the week, including weekends, during the summer and either weekend day during the school year. When a Zoo Champion graduates from high school, they also graduate from Zoo CREW. At that point, the Zoo Champion will be invited to join the alumni group and may be asked to help with student workshops and eco-excursions.

Zoo CREW Program Stucture

Year 1 – Basic Training

  • Volunteer 28 days during the summer, end of June to August
  • Volunteer two days per month September - May
  • Attend monthly wildlife awareness group workshops
  • Attend four trainings on conservation issues and action
  • Attend day and overnight eco-excursions

Year 2 – Action Project Work

  • Meet once per month for Action Project Planning September - May
  • Attend monthly wildlife awareness group workshops
  • Attend two trainings on conservation issues and action
  • Attend day and overnight eco-excursions

Year 3 – “Save our Species” Community Outreach

  • Complete a minimum of five community outreach presentations
  • Attend monthly wildlife awareness group workshops
  • Attend one-on-one college counseling sessions
  • Attend day and overnight eco-excursions
  • Potential for international travel to work with Zoo conservation partners

Zoo CREW Application

Please keep in mind that Zoo CREW is a very competitive program, and only 18 students are accepted each year. Early applicants have a better chance of acceptance into the program. A new Zoo CREW class is recruited each spring. Applications will be accepted until April 15th. Call 215-243-5310 for more information.
 

Support Zoo CREW/JZAP

Zoo CREW, formerly JZAP, is a United Way Designee! Our program number is 29708 (Philly Zoo Jr. Apprentice Program).