Junior Zookeeper Program

The Junior Zookeeper Programis a unique, multi-level program for junior high - high school students who are interested in learning about animals and the way zoos work. Students begin with classroom training & eventually become volunteers!

There are both school year and summer components to the program; at the advanced levels, students participate in educational activities October - April, and then volunteer at the Zoo during the summer season. Students can be Junior Zookeepers (JZKs) through the summer following high school graduation. The JZK program is great for students who are looking for experience working with people, learning leadership and time-management skills, and getting some quality time with animals.

Students currently in 5^th grade or higher are eligible to begin this summer.  Beginner JZKs attend a one-week summer camp.  The fee for camp is $195 for family-level members of the zoo society and $245 for nonmembers; this fee includes a t-shirt, name tag, and all class materials. 

All interested students and a parent or guardian must attend one informational meeting at Miller Park Zoo in order to receive application materials. Applications are not distributed outside of the meeting, so attendance is absolutely necessary.  Applications cannot be given to students who do not attend with their parent/guardian. 

Meetings will be held on March 5^th, 6^th, & 8^th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at Miller Park Zoo.  Choose the meeting date that fits your schedule; no reservation is required.

Please contact Shannon Reedy at (309) 434-2256 or sreedy@cityblm.org for more information.