Wildlife Conservation Teen Application

This online Wildlife Conservation Teen Application must be submitted no later than January 16th, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Parents, you will need to read and sign toward the end of this application.

Please note, you will answer questions on a series of pages. You can use the "Next" and "Back" buttons to navigate.

As a possible participant in the Wildlife Conservation Teen program, I understand that I am expected to partcipate in many different types of activities and  am not promised a spot in the program the following year.

Expectations of a Wildlife Conservation Teen are as listed below:

• If accepted, each participant must have a current negative tuberculosis test on file every two years. (Tuberculosis testing must be arranged and covered financially by the participant.)
• Help with three spring break & summer camp days. 
• Participate in two off-site field trips to various conservation/educational facilities.
• Participate in two shifts of helping a keeper with various responsibilities. Examples include: animal welfare, diet prep, animal watches, cleaning, enrichment, etc. 
• Participate in two Salina-area trash cleanup days. 
• Participate in monarch butterfly tagging, surveying surrounding flora and fauna, bird watching, and other various conservation-based activities.
• Assist education staff for two Rolling Hills Zoo events such as: ZOOrific EGGStravaganza, Run for the Hills/Back to School Blast, Father's Day Car Show, Pumpkin PaZOOla, etc. 

Extra activities you may choose to be a part of:

• Animal handling (after your first year and if deemed qualified)
• Conservation teen group nights
• Conservation fundraising activities 
• Zoo To You programs
• and more! 

• I understand I will go through a formal interview process and that I am not guaranteed a position in the Wildlife Conservation Teen Program.

• I understand that if my application is chosen to move forward to the next step, I will be emailed with an interview time for Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

• I understand that I must attend the required Wildlife Conservation Teen Volunteer training date on January 31st, 2026 if I am accepted into the program.

• I understand that if I am selected as a Wildlife Conservation Teen, that a current negative tuberculosis test is required. I also understand that I, the participant, am responsible for arranging and covering the cost of this test.

• I have considered my summer activities and will not miss more than two scheduled days. I understand that on the third missed shift with no communication with education staff, I may be dismissed from the program.

• I certify that the information of this application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge.

• I understand that by signing this agreement I am authorizing the Rolling Hills Zoo Education Department to use this information in determining my participation in the Wildlife Conservation Teen program.

By signing below, I agree to all of the above.

As a parent of a participant in the Wildlife Conservation Teen program, I understand that I am expected to support my teen to meet the expectations listed below.

Your Teen Must....

• Maintain a current negative tuberculosis test in order to participate. Please note that the tuberculosis testing must be arranged and covered financially by the participant. This is only needed if they are selected to be a Wildlife Conservation Teen, not for the interview.
• Help with three spring break & summer camp days. 
• Participate in two off-site field-trips to various conservation/educational facilities.
• Participate in two shifts of helping a keeper with various responsibilities. Examples include: Animal welfare, diet prep, animal watches, cleaning, enrichment etc. 
• Participate in two Salina-area trash cleanup days.
• Participate in monarch butterfly tagging, surveying surrounding flora and fauna, bird watching, and other various conservation based activities. 
• Assist education staff for two Rolling Hills Zoo events such as: ZOOrific EGGStravaganza, Run for the Hills/Back to School Blast, Father's Day Car Show, Pumpkin PaZOOla, etc.
• Must have access to Volgistics and GroupMe, as these are where they will sign up for their shifts and how we will communicate.

 Extra activities your teen may choose to be a part of:

• Animal Handling (after their first year and deemed qualified)
• Conservation teen group nights
• Conservation fundraising activities 
• Zoo To You programs
• And more! 

• I understand that if selected as a participant in the Wildlife Conservation Teen program, my son/daughter will be committed to volunteering at Rolling Hills Zoo on scheduled dates.

• I understand that a $40 program fee must be paid (via cash/card) by January 31st, 2026 to cover the cost of two (2) uniform shirts, name badge, and any other needed materials. 

• I understand that if my child would like to participate in this program, and is selected to be a Wildlife Conservation Teen, that a current negative tuberculosis test is required. I also understand that I, the parent of the participant, am responsible for arranging and covering the cost of this test.

• As a parent/guardian, I will support my child’s participation by providing transportation as needed.

• I understand that I must be present at the mandatory Wildlife Conservation Teen Volunteer Parent Meeting from 3 pm - 4 pm, January 31st, 2026 (after the mandatory Wildlife Conservation Teen training). 
  
  

By signing below, I agree to all of the above.

GIFT OF RIGHT OF PUBLICITY

I give, grant, and convey to Rolling Hills Zoo, its successors, agents and assigns, without compensation to me or my child from any party, the absolute right and unrestricted permission to copyright and/or use and/or publish (1) my child’s name, (2) my child’s image or likeness on video, and (3) photographic pictures or portraits of my child or in which they may be included, in whole or in part, on reproductions in color or in black and white, made through any media, in connection with photos or video taken of my child at Rolling Hills Zoo for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to the promotion of Rolling Hills Zoo. I further waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished product. The video, photos, digital images and video, and negatives will be Rolling Hills Zoo’s sole property.

I have read the foregoing. I also understand that this gift is binding on my heirs, successors, and assigns. I am over eighteen (18) years of age.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I understand that I, the undersigned, by signing I assume the risks of injury, contraction of a zoonotic disease, and losses of property associated with the Wildlife Conservation Teen program at Rolling Hills Zoo.

I agree to release Rolling Hills Zoo, its Board of Directors, its officers, and the Zoo employees from liability for death or any and all injuries or illnesses that may occur to my teen or property in areas that are not open to the public, except injuries caused exclusively by the negligence of the Zoo.