Travel farther. Learn deeper. Discover your place in conservation.

Conservation can't always be taught from a desk. Teen field studies give high school students the opportunity to travel with the Columbus Zoo's Conservation Education team to extraordinary places where wildlife, science, and conservation come to life.

Through immersive field experiences, high school students explore diverse ecosystems, meet conservation professionals, participate in hands-on learning, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing wildlife around the world. Whether snorkeling alongside coral reefs in the Bahamas, studying bison on the Yellowstone landscape, or joining future expeditions, each program offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience conservation where it happens.

Along the way, students build confidence, develop leadership skills, explore potential careers in conservation, and discover how their own actions can help protect wildlife and wild places for generations to come.

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graphic for teen travel program, bison in image

Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Field Experience

July 24 - 31, 2027

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graphic for teen travel program, reef pictured

Oceans and You Ecology Field Experience

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Why join us?

  • Explore Your Future - Ever wondered what it's like to work with wildlife or travel the world for conservation? Meet professionals in the field, ask questions, and discover career paths you may never have considered.
  • Learn by Doing - Trade the classroom for coral reefs, grasslands, forests, and other incredible ecosystems. Every trip is packed with hands-on experiences that help you understand wildlife and conservation in a whole new way.
  • Challenge Yourself - Step outside your comfort zone, make new friends, and experience places few people ever get to see. You'll come home with unforgettable memories, new confidence, and stories you'll be telling for years.
teen holding crab in beachy setting