Educational Adventures: Summer Zoo Camp

New in the Zoo
April 1, 2018
Member POV: Pamela and Glenn Cooper
April 1, 2018

Zoo campers enjoying a day of learning and fun.

My connection with Zoo Camp began the summer after my first year of college when I landed a job as a camp counselor and fell in love with everything about the program. It was so much more than just a day camp. It made learning about animals fun and exciting with hands-on activities and unique opportunities that only a zoo can offer.

The staff was knowledgeable and nurturing, making our campers feel comfortable and welcome during the long, hot summer. And just like many of our returning campers, I found myself looking forward to my summers at the Zoo. Twelve years later, after working as a camp counselor and instructor at the L.A. Zoo and then working at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans as their outreach coordinator, I am proud to say that I will be co-directing Los Angeles Zoo Camp this summer. I am excited to be part of such a wonderful program again because I truly believe that we make a difference in the lives of every child who walks through our doors. We help them learn about animals and foster an appreciation for wildlife, both locally and globally, while being silly and having fun at the Los Angeles Zoo!


Renae Cotero is the Zoo Camp Co-Director at the Los Angeles Zoo.