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.

Registration for 2025 Junior Zookeepers is now closed.

Stay tuned for 2026 sessions!

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

COMING SOON

 

Check back here for Spring Junior Zookeeper Session!