Photo: 2025 Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team (COLT) students: (L to R) Oyindamola Samuel, Leticia Mayer, and Geneva Baluta.

We’re supporting a new generation of conservationists this summer through our Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team (COLT), now accepting applications.

Now in its second year, this student volunteering program nurtures a passion for conservation while connecting today's Zoo visitors with the wildlife and research happening right in their province.

Designed for students aged 14–18 who are passionate about animals, the natural environment, and conservation, COLT offers the chance to participate in field studies and citizen science projects, develop and lead conservation-themed public engagements, and learn directly from our expert teams.

Successful applicants work closely with our Conservation and Research team. The program kicks off with a full orientation day that includes an introduction to current projects, a tour of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, an overview of our Biodiversity Monitoring Program, and a visit to the Park areas where students will be collecting biodiversity data throughout the summer.

This program provides a nice balance of learning, receiving hands-on support from our teams, and practicing leadership skills through educating visitors to the Zoo. They will create and execute different activities for the public to help them learn more about animals and wildlife conservation. For example, after one of our many summer Zoo chats, you might just interact with a COLT student who is facilitating an activity related to the animal you just learned about. Afterwards, they might share more information about conservation work being done within the province, such as the Beluga Bits project or our work to protect Poweshiek Skipperling butterflies.

"The COLT Program was a great opportunity to meet new people and learn more about conservation. Personally, I learned a lot about sustainability and its importance in protecting wildlife and the environment. The program was also a great initiative for engaging Zoo guests. My team and I had the chance to connect with visitors in fun and educational ways, helping share important conservation messages. I also had an amazing team to discuss ideas and go on fun quests with!" said Oyindamola Samuel, one of the 2025 Conservation Outreach & Leadership Team (COLT) students.

Toward the end of the summer, students present a personal project to our volunteer team, reflecting on their findings much like a scientific presentation — valuable practice for anyone considering a career in conservation.

“Youth are the next generation of conservation leaders. We are very excited to continue to support this program with training opportunities, like biodiversity surveys, to help them build confidence in research and conservation and communicate the messages that they feel passionate about to our visitors,” says Dr. Courtney Shuert, Conservation Program Manager.

This is a competitive program. Selected students commit to an average of two 3-hour shifts per week throughout July and August. For more information and to apply, visit assiniboinepark.ca/volunteer.