Zoo education volunteers assist with tours, classes, animal observations and demonstrations, special events, and so much more! Read on to learn about the different opportunities at each age level and the registration/training requirements.

Z.O.O. Crew Program (middle & high school students)
Junior ZooKeepers (JZK), ages 10-13
Zoo Teens, ages 14-17
Zoo Corps & Adult Volunteer Opportunities, 18+

Questions? Email Jared Bixby, Curator of Education, or Julie Ladd, Education Specialist, or contact them by phone at (785) 587-2737.


Z.O.O Crew Program, Middle & High School Students
A career shadowing and life skill development opportunity!

Have fun, meet new friends, and gain valuable life skills while caring for the education animal collection at Sunset Zoo. This after-school program is sponsored by the YES! Fund of Manhattan and is free to participants. The program runs Monday through Friday during the school year, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm.  The next session begins Monday, January 28 and runs through Friday, April 26.

Applications must be turned into the Zoo by Friday, January 18.  Download the application.

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Junior ZooKeepers (JZK), ages 10-13
A summer career shadowing and life skill development program!
As a JZK, youth will receive specialized training in animal care.  After completion of the training, JZKs will assist with regular zookeeper chores in the South America area of the Zoo and help care for the education animal collection throughout the summer months.  Parent/guardians & prospective Junior ZooKeeper (JZK) must attend the JZK Orientation in February.  At the orientation you'll receive an overview of the policies and procedures, as well as have an opportunity to register.

ORIENTATION:  February 2 from 10am - 11am at Sunset Zoo

REGISTRATION: Registration forms will be made available at the conclusion of the JZK orientation meeting.  $100 registration fee for new JZKs; includes training, manual and uniform shirt

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Zoo Teens, ages 14-17
Zoo Teens are youth who have a sincere interest in learning about animals and working with a conservation organization.  Opportunities include shadowing Zoo staff, conservation projects, photography, and much more!  

TRAINING: Annual Overnight Training: Friday May 3 5:30pm to Saturday, May 4 4:00pm
Plan on eating dinner before you come and bringing a lunch for Saturday; we'll have breakfast and snacks!  Both new and returning Zoo Teen candidates MUST ATTEND the training session. 

REGISTRATION: $65 registration fee; includes training, manual, and uniform shirt; training fee is due on or before the first training date.  To register, complete the Online Volunteer Application and a Zoo staff member will be in touch.

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Zoo Corps, Adults 18+
Anyone 18 years and older who has a sincere interest in animals and working alongside a conservation organization is invited to join the Zoo Corps program.  The Zoo Corps program serves as an entry point for volunteers.  Volunteers who complete the Zoo Corps training can complete additional training in areas of interest, including animal-handling programs and the Zoo Docent program, trained education volunteers. 

TRAINING: Sunday Feb 3 & 10 from 1:00-5:00pm. Complete the Volunteer Application below & Zoo staff will be in touch.

REGISTRATION: $10 registration free; includes training & manual; training fee is due on or before the first training date. To register, complete the Online Volunteer Application and a Zoo staff member will be in touch.

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