You Gotta Be Yonkers Old (Well, Not Exactly) to Work at the Houston Zoo?
So, you've got a hankering to hang with the hippos, high-five the howler monkeys, or become besties with the majestic meerkats? You're thinking, "The Houston Zoo? That's the place for me!" But before you polish your resume and practice your animal calls (because, let's face it, that's a key part of the interview, right?), there's one burning question: how old do you gotta be to join the crew?
Teen Team: Unveiling the Zoo's Inner Workings (Ages 13-17)
Calling all cool cats (and kittens)! If you're between 13 and 17, the Houston Zoo's First Year Zoo Crew Explorers program is your chance to peek behind the scenes. Here's the deal: you won't be scrubbing out elephant enclosures (although, let's be honest, that could be a story for the grandkids), but you will get a taste of the amazing things that go on at the zoo. You'll learn about different careers, from zookeeping to marketing, and even get to hone your public speaking skills by sharing the zoo's conservation message with visitors.
Bonus: This program is a fantastic way to figure out if a zoo career is the right fit for you. Plus, who wouldn't want to brag to their friends, "Yeah, I, like, totally hung out with lemurs this summer!"
Stepping Up Your Zoo Game: Jobs for Grown-Ups (Ages 16+)
Alright, teenagers, hold your horses (or zebras, in this case). While the Zoo Crew Explorers program is epic, there are some jobs that require a little more, well, experience. Most zookeeper positions, for instance, are filled by folks with college degrees in fields like biology or animal science. So, if you're looking to become a full-fledged giraffe guru or a penguin pal, brushing up on your animal knowledge is a good place to start.
Here's the exciting part: There are tons of other ways to get involved at the zoo, even if you're not quite ready to be a zookeeper. The Houston Zoo offers opportunities in areas like education, guest services, and even food service (because, let's face it, someone's gotta keep those hungry zoo visitors fueled up for all that animal spotting).
Word to the wise: Check the Houston Zoo's careers page [Houston Zoo Careers] to see what positions are currently open. There might be your dream zoo job waiting, and it could be the perfect place to turn your love for animals into a roaring good career!
So, How Old Do You Have to Be?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The minimum age depends on the specific role. But hey, no matter your age, there's a way to get involved with the Houston Zoo and make a difference in the lives of animals. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your options, and who knows, you might just find yourself living out your wildest zoo dreams (puns totally intended).
