By Gracie Newman

Have you been to the Phoenix Zoo recently? If not, you’re missing out! With the zoo lights’ magnificent glow, there are plenty of people flowing in and out of the zoo to embrace the season. This provides a good opportunity for people like Marco Roig, a TPA senior.

Marco works with the zoo in a program called ZooTeens. He learns more about animals every week and teaches people about them in the different exhibits. When he applied in late September, he had known almost nothing of these animals he was supposed to inform people about. But he sure learned quick! By October, he was giving presentations and showing off all the interesting facts he could.

Marco, of course, has learned much more about animals (specifically reptiles) that he thought he would ever know. Still, he finds himself astonished by how so many others know so much about certain animals. He explains: “Some people can look at a giraffe and talk about its specific type and number of vertebrae just by looking at its spots.” He’s almost to that point of pointing out specific internal facts of animals just by looking at the outside. Now, that’s quite a skill!

Maybe animal facts are not something you want to pursue and learn about. So why be a part of ZooTeens? Marco answers, “If there’s one thing ZooTeens has taught me, it’s how to communicate with others.” Constantly talking and interacting with others guides you to find the best ways to talk to others. Although this method of communication could be considered informal compared to speech and debate, Marco is still being asked questions and using prior knowledge to apply to the answers.

Not only does ZooTeens teach valuable lessons, but it also is a fun and flexible way to spend free time. “The cool thing about this program,” Marco explains, “is that you get to pick your own schedule, whatever works for you. This weekend, I have three shifts while others have eight.”

If you’re looking for an open-ended way to spend your time that constantly expands your knowledge and toolbox on talking with others, then ZooTeens is the place for you!

Although the zoo officials don’t pay him in cold hard cash, Marco is given zoo bucks, which you can use to spend in and around the park, for food, gift shop trinkets, you name it.

Be sure to stop at the Phoenix Zoo to learn more about types of animals that interest you, and look at some holiday lights on the way!