by KYW's Karin Phillips

The Philadelphia Zoo's Youth Advisory Council meets Saturday for the first time, as 20 young people examine how they can make their own mark on the institution. 

Thousands of kids applied online to be part of the Philadelphia Zoo's Youth Advisory Council, a brand new organization that will give 20 young people an active role in the Zoo's programs, exhibits, animals, conservation, even the food served in the snack stands. 

Bill Larson is director of communications:

"We wanted kids who were passionate about the zoo.  Who had visited here and know the Zoo and wanted to become a part of the future of the Zoo."

Council member, 8-year-old Madeline Garcia-Ginsberg of Center City says she wants to help obtain better habitats for some of the animals and work on...

"Helping more people learn about the animals there."

10-year-old Jesse Taylor Shuter of Northeast Philadelphia's Pine Valley says, as a council member, he would like some new residents at the zoo.

"I think maybe the penguins, because of global warming.  I'd like to help get more of them so we can try and make sure they don't get endangered or extinct."