Symposium Designed by L.A. Teens Amplifies Youth Voices for Social & Environmental Justice
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(Credit: © Los Angeles Zoo)
LOS ANGELES, CA – March 15, 2025 – The Los Angeles Zoo’s Teen Council for Conservation hosted the second annual Youth Conservation Symposium on Saturday, March 15. This year’s event was themed Conservation is M.A.G.I.C. The full-day symposium, designed and executed by the students of the Teen Council for Conservation, included interactive workshops and a first-ever organizational expo aimed at helping these young leaders consider 1) Mindful choices, 2) Advocacy for nature, 3) Growing sustainability, 4) Innovative solutions, and 5) Community impact in achieving conservation goals in their communities.
“Los Angeles has an opportunity to be a beacon of positive change for conservation and climate action,” said Jake Owens, PhD, Director of Conservation, L.A. Zoo. “These young minds are not only setting themselves up for long-term success as leaders and advocates for biodiversity and the health of their communities, but they are also collaborating hand-in-hand with their peers to create impacts that will last a lifetime. We are watching the next generation teeing themselves up for success, and taking ownership of a strong, vibrant, and equitable tomorrow.”
The Youth Conservation Symposium featured a keynote presentation by Marta Segura, MPH, City of Los Angeles Chief Heat Officer and Director of the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office. It also incorporated interactive workshops led by leaders in conservation, advocacy, and sustainability, including Karri Ann Frerichs, Founder & CEO of Circular Fashion LA; Maryanne Pittman, Director of Public Engagement at the Theodore Payne Foundation; Thomas Yount, CEO & Founder of Clean Earth Future; and representatives of Our Children’s Trust, a non-profit public interest law firm.
Now in its third year, the Zoo’s Teen Council for Conservation is an annual nine-month program that engages young people and encourages them to think and work toward a future centered on conservation solutions in Los Angeles. This program empowers young Angelenos from all communities and highlights their strengths as leaders, builds skills in conservation and community building, and inspires these teens to enact change in themselves, at the Zoo, and in their communities. The Teen Council for Conservation focuses on issues surrounding conservation, social and environmental justice, and climate, with the specific focus being determined by the students each year.
Applications and recruitment for the 2025-2026 Teen Council for Conservation cohort will begin later this summer. Interested teens should follow the L.A. Zoo’s social media (@lazoo) and website at www.lazoo.org/teencouncil for more information and eligibility requirements.
About the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.
CONTACT: Carl Myers/(323) 644-4273
lazoo.press@lacity.org