Having a job is an important aspect of the teenage experience, but in Southeast Texas, employment options can be limited. Senior Jennifer Ellis, however, has gotten to experience a “wild” opportunity by working at Kingdom Zoo. 

Kingdom Zoo is a Christian organization with a wide array of animals and is located at 1605 Strickland in Orange. The group travels around the country and uses the animals to minister to kids and teach them about creation. Ellis has been a team member for over eight years now and said she loves her job.

“It’s a really cool experience,” Ellis said. “We’re mainly based around children and making them feel special. My favorite part is the relationships I get to make with the kids that come in.”

Chester Moore, the owner and founder of Kingdom Zoo, started out with just a few animals which he used to minister to children in churches. His mission quickly grew and now the zoo now contains over 100 species from six different continents.

“If God puts so much effort and work into one little bird or frog, imagine how much he cares about you,” Ellis said.

Kingdom Zoo has grown to be quite a powerful outlet for children’s quest in understanding the gospel, so its employees carry a large load of work. Ellis certainly takes care of her fair share of responsibilities. 

“I’ve gotten to be a spokesperson, host events, shoot commercials, and appear on GETV  since we have a Roku channel on there,” Ellis said. “I’ve also produced and filmed different short documentaries.”

Kingdom Zoo is not only spreading the word of God, but making a difference in lives. A couple of years ago, its “Wild Wishes” program was established. This program is for children who have suffered a terminal illness or who have lost a relative. The child tells Kingdom Zoo his or her favorite animal and through the group’s connections they throw the child a party, and take them to meet that animal.

“We’ve had over 30 wishes already,” Ellis said.

Kingdom Zoo will certainly miss Ellis, since she is planning on attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall. Though her life is pulling her other places, Ellis will always hold a special place in her heart for this organization.

“I’m always going to try and stay as connected as I can with Kingdom Zoo,” Ellis said.