Abilene Zoo Teens Program

The Zoo Teen program has truly transformed my life in amazing ways! After the COVID-19 pandemic led my family to home-school my sister and me, I missed out on valuable social interactions outside our home. When we moved to Texas, I was excited but nervous about joining the Zoo Teen program, unsure about meeting new people. I faced challenges during those first few weeks since I wasn't used to socializing. However, the other participants and the fantastic staff at the zoo welcomed me with open arms. Their warmth and inclusivity helped me feel at ease, and before long, I had formed meaningful friendships with incredible people I still connect with regularly. Thanks to them, I even conquered my long-held fear of insects! The knowledge I've gained about different animal species has been eye-opening, and I've developed a special interest in amphibians and reptiles. One of the best aspects of the Zoo Teen program is that it doesn't just stop after summer; there's a chance for year-round volunteering and involvement in exciting events. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking about joining this program to dive in, even if it's just for one year. Being a Zoo Teen offers an enriching experience you don't want to miss out on!

My name is Hannah Cannon, and I’m currently a student at Texas Christian University studying Environmental Science with a minor in Human-Animal Relationships. I got on this track after my six years at the Abilene Zoo with the Zoo Teens program. The program was probably the number one deciding factor in what I wanted to do with my life. Not only did it help me with that, but it also helped me with getting into the school of my dreams. Zoo Teens is more than just something to do with your summer, as I first thought it was going to be, when I was thirteen. I made an impact in others’ lives, I made friends that I am still in contact with today, having not seen them in years, and I have made an impact on this earth. Zoo Teens allows you to not only learn about this the animals on this beautiful planet, but also to help make a difference, you get to teach the youth, the future of this world, all about the animals and how they can help – and they really care! The kids at camp love coming, and seeing all the different animals that YOU get to handle, they love touching them, and they love learning about them. They ask questions, and remember what you tell them. The kids that come back camp after camp are proof of that. Zoo Teens gave me a chance to have more than just the typical summer year after year, it gave me the opportunity to make a difference, and figure out where I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do, not just each summer but for the rest of my life.