Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo opens registration for career exploration programs for teens

2/21/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—February 21, 2009—Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only Zoo, is offering two innovative programs open to area teens interested in science and conservation. Registration for both the Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) and the Zoo Explorer Post is currently open, with classes beginning in late February.

Explorer Post, Registration Deadline February 28
Teens who are affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, are Zoo members or are just interested in zoos are eligible to join the Zoo's Explorer Post. This program, for young men and women ages 14-21, is tailored to those interested in learning more about zoos and zoo careers. Zoo Explorer Post members attend monthly lecture style classes with hands-on activities from February to August. Explorers may then be eligible to take part in a keeper shadow day in September or October. Interested teens or parents may call Chris in the education department at 203-394-6563 for more information. The fee for the Explorers program is $85.

Conservation Discovery Corps, Registration Deadline March 14
Conservation Discovery Corps offers teens ages 14-17 the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge about conservation and environmental careers while enhancing the visitor experience at the Zoo. The program helps to build the students' resumes, which can give them a significant advantage over other applicants for admission to university biology programs.

Students will gain an inside perspective on the Zoo and its animals, gain experience in environmental education and animal husbandry, and develop skills in public speaking, leadership and teamwork. In turn, they must dedicate 10 days throughout the summer to serve as interpretive Zoo educators to Zoo visitors. CDC includes formal classroom training as well as field training on six conservation expeditions.

High school students living in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull may apply to the program. Students who are interested in CDC must fill out an application and include a letter of interest and letter of reference. Deadline for applications submission is March 14, 2009. Zoo staff will select up to 60-80 program applicants. Applications may be obtained by calling the Zoo's Education Department at 203-394-6563 or at http://www.beardsleyzoo.org. A $40 program fee applies to help defray the cost of program materials and two Conservation Discovery Corps t-shirt uniforms.

The Conservation Discovery Corps can be a one- to four-year program. The goal is to have freshmen students stay with the program throughout high school. Each program year a student successfully completes will result in a completion reward. In addition, participants who pursue a college-level education in biology, zoology, veterinary medicine, or a related field will be eligible for an internship at the Zoo, for which they may earn college credit.

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About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org