Hannah Cannon
Texas Christian University Environmental Science, HARE
Teens ages 14-18 will get an up close and personal look at what working with animals is really like!
This dynamic program offers teens training in animal care, husbandry, and animal presentation, as well as in-depth knowledge about the animals that call Abilene Zoo home. Teens will play a vital role engaging with guests and campers alongside the Education team during Zoo Camp and holiday celebration events. With the goal of building confidence, leadership, public speaking and teamwork skills, this enriching experience offers personalized mentorship for each teen.
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 Space is limited. Teens must be 14 years old by June 3rd, 2025 to apply to the Zoo Teen program. Applications will be accepted February 17 – March 31, 2025. New applicants will need to include two letters of recommendation. Letters may be attached to the application or emailed separately to zoo.education@abilenetx.gov. An applicant will not be considered until the application is submitted AND two recommendation letters are received.
Program fee includes two shirts and is due no later than May 3, 2025.
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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 325-676-6487 or zoo.education@abilenetx.gov
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.
