BOISE, Idaho — Zoo Boise is fostering a connection between the community and wildlife through its ZooTeens program, which encourages youth to engage in conservation efforts and animal education. The program, aimed at teenagers aged 13 to 17, runs from June to September and provides hands-on experience with animals, guest education, and fundraising for conservation projects.
Chea, the Volunteer Program Specialist, explained that the teens have five different stations. Chea said, “They get to work with some of our animals, like our goats down at our zoo farm.”
This year, ZooTeens are raising money for the Red Panda Network, which plants trees in Nepal to combat deforestation. One teen, now in his third year with the program, shared his enthusiasm and growth. Ben Richards said he’s always loved animals, and he looks forward to this every summer…