Franklin Pest Solutions is proud to sponsor the Columbian Park Zoo Teen Program for the third year. The program gives area teens an opportunity to get involved with the zoo community while exploring future careers.
“The Zoo Teen program is designed to prepare young people for future careers in the zoo community by building job-transferable skills, exploring jobs, and connecting with others passionate about wildlife,” Columbian Park Zoo Educator Ryan Madden said.
This year, 30 teens are participating in the program. Each teen goes through an application and interview process before acceptance. They then complete training in animal husbandry, zoo safety, teaching, and customer service.
During the summer, Zoo Teens volunteer at least 45 hours alongside zookeeper mentors. As a result, they get an inside look at how a zoo operates. They also meet with local wildlife conservation groups and explore other animal-related careers. At the end of the summer, the group visits a larger Midwest zoo to learn how other zoos operate.
Applications for the 2027 program will open in mid-January.
“Franklin Pest Solutions is dedicated to working with children of all ages to encourage their interests in the natural world,” Janelle Iaccino, Marketing Director with Franklin Pest Solutions said. “It’s so important for all of us to understand the importance of the balances in nature and why honoring and preserving natural resources including animals and insects are so critical.”
Zoo Teens Gain Hands-On Experience
For 15-year-old Kinley Mccoy, the Zoo Teen Program has been a life-changing experience.
“I am always getting the opportunity to do new things. I love getting to do Animal Encounters where we bring out one of our ambassador animals to have an up close meeting with the public,” she said.
“I love this because it not only teaches kids about how magical animals can be but also is a chance for adults to learn more about animals they are hesitant about.”
Kinley starts her sophomore year at an area high school this fall. In the future, she hopes to become a zoo educator or zookeeper.
Seventeen-year-old Cohen Alfano is participating in the program for the third year. He says it is always the highlight of his summer.
“I love coming to the zoo and not knowing what I’m going to be doing or where I will be working each day,” Cohen said.
He especially enjoys working with educational ambassador animals.
“They all have unique care requirements and personalities that make it one of my favorite places to work. It’s fun to engage with guests through animal encounters to teach them about an animal and how they can help conserve wildlife.”
Cohen is interested in a future in wildlife biology.
Discovering Careers Through the Zoo Teen Program
Sixteen-year-old Yaritza Torres-Muro will soon start her junior year of high school. She is interested in animal psychology and anesthesiology.
“My two years in the Zoo Teen Program have yielded wonderful memories and unforgettable hands-on experiences that could only be made possible by being a Zoo Teen,” Yaritza said.
The program has also changed how she thinks about animals and their roles in nature.
“The program has taught me that an animal’s role goes beyond making up the food web, which helps maintain a balanced ecosystem. Animals also give insights into ecosystem health and provide resources to other species through abandoned shelters, leftovers from a hunt and more.”
Yaritza enjoys providing enrichment to many different animals. Some of her favorites include Patagonian cavies and armadillos. Patagonian cavies are some of the largest rodents in the world. Seeing the animals respond to enrichment has further sparked her interest in animal psychology.
Building Skills for the Future
So many of us are not fond of rats. However, 16-year-old Ethan Furst loves them. The local high school junior is especially fond of Lucky Charms and Booberry, who he says are very sweet.
“My favorite animal at the zoo seems to change every year but I always feel the most connection to the goats,” Ethan said. “It is always fun learning their names and almost growing alongside them as I am soon to age out of the program.”
The experience goes beyond working with animals. Ethan also values the communication and public speaking skills he has developed. In addition, he has helped with summer camps. He hopes to pursue a career in zookeeping or zoology.
Learning Through Animal Encounters
For 16-year-old Piper Burke, a Brazilian rainbow boa named Rio is a favorite.
“He’s my favorite because he is very curious, has a fun personality and I love how well he does when I take him out for encounters with the public,” Piper said.
“The Columbian Park Zoo Teen Program has allowed me to work with domesticated animals as well as more exotic and endangered species.”
Piper dreams of becoming an animal behavioral scientist or marine biologist. Through the program, she has gained a better understanding of animal needs and proper care. Her experiences have also taught her more about what allows animals to live comfortable and happy lives.
For Franklin Pest Solutions, supporting the Zoo Teen Program is also about encouraging young people to understand the natural world.
“Learning about the balance of humans and nature is both critical and rewarding and working with animals helps the teens, and all of us, understand that balance,” Iaccino said. “We would love to have any of the Zoo Teen Program teens work with Franklin in the future.”
“It’s so wonderful to see kids immerse themselves in nature and care so much about the environment. After all, they are the ones who will inherit it and with teens like this, there’s so much hope for our world.”
Franklin Pest Solutions is proud to support the Zoo Teen Program and its mission. The program helps area youth appreciate zoos and conservation. It also allows them to explore animal-related careers, develop job skills, and become advocates for conservation.
Want to learn more? Visit Columbian Park Zoo to explore its animals, programs, events, and educational opportunities.
