Junior Zookeepers

Junior Zookeepers at Wildlife Safari

The Junior Zookeeper program is designed for ages 13-17 to gain unique behind the scenes experience that will help them to find success in their future career goals. Exciting themes will guide these Junior Keeper’s to discover new passions, friendships, and experiences. Their involvement in AZA facility programs such as Junior Keepers will assist in bolstering attendees resumes and/or college applications. Junior Keepers will gain experience through activities, lessons, and animal encounters as well as the responsibilities listed below.

Summer Junior Zookeepers is open!

Summer Junior Zookeepers

Participants must be 13-17 years old by the start date of the session. Shifts are from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Negative TB test required. If you have done a TB test within the last 12 months, you will not need to retake. If you are unsure, or have questions, contact education@wildlifesafari.net

Juniors can experience first hand what it's like to be a zookeeper at Wildlife Safari! Help our keeper staff from multiple departments with daily tasks and learn abour the ins and outs of being a zookeeper!  

Junior Zookeeper Standard Sessions

      Session 1:

Session 2:

      Session 3:

              Session 4:

    6/15 - 6/18 and 6/22 - 6/25

 

7/6 - 7/9 and 7/13 - 7/16

7/20 - 7/23 and 7/27 - 7/30

8/10 - 8/13 and 8/17 - 8/20

Junior Zookeeper Bonus Days

      Session 1:

Session 2:

      Session 3:

              Session 4:

6/19 - 6/21 and 6/26 - 6/28

 

7/10 - 7/12 and 7/17 - 7/19

7/24 - 7/26 and 7/31 - 8/2

8/14 - 8/16 and 8/21 - 8/23

Important Dates

Session 1:

  • May 25th: Registration for Session 1 closes.
  • June 1st: TB tests and questionnaires are due.

Session 2:

  • June 15th: Registration for Session 2 closes.
  • June 22nd: TB tests and questionnaires are due.

Session 3:

  • June 29th: Registration for Session 1 closes.
  • July 6th: TB tests and questionnaires are due.

Session 4:

  • July 20th: Registration for Session 1 closes.
  • July 27th: TB tests and questionnaires are due.

 

Questionnaire and TB test materials should be emailed to education@wildlifesafari.net once completed. Please use the following subject line format in your email to distinguish what material for which Junior you are sending:

Junior Keeper last name, first name_subject

Example: Doe, John_TB Test

*We must receive a copy of your child's negative TB test one week prior to participants' start date. If we do not receive the paperwork and have not heard from you, then your registration will be canceled and partially refunded.

Junior Zookeeper Program Activities

Activities within the Junior Zookeeper program vary for each participant depending on their past involvement in the program, the amount of time they have spent at the park and their individual interests and abilities. In addition to animal handling practice, educational lessons, and encounters, participants will also be responsible for the tasks listed below.

Junior Zookeeper Responsibilities

(Dependant on Junior Keeper level/experience)

  • Education Husbandry

  • Habitat Care

  • Informal Public Biofact Presentations

  • Creating animal enrichment

  • Preparing and/or distributing diets

  • Hands on experience with the standards and practices of AZA

  • Assisting Staff with ongoing projects

  • Specialized Animal Encounter Opportunities

  • Up close interaction with ambassador animal collection

 

Becoming a Raptor

All Junior Keepers will start as Fledglings. Becoming a Raptor is a privilege earned that enables Junior Keepers to engage duties in this program with a higher level of independence. Raptors will be required to complete an independent project tailored to their interest/abilities. Raptor level Junior Keeper’s will be granted unique opportunities to interact with more advanced animal husbandry and handling. Public facing engagement such as assisting in dome shows, outreach, animal presentations, and assisting with camp programming is reserved for Raptor level only.

*Applications can only be submitted during the summer