Z.O.O. Crew Program

Career Exploration for Middle & High School Students


Learn respect for animals, gain important life and work skills, and become community contributors by taking care of the Zoo's education animal collection and working on special projects. This after-school program is sponsored by the YES! Fund of Manhattan and is free to participants.

Dates & Times


The program runs everyday Monday through Sunday during the school year from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Participants are assigned one day per week based on availability of the participant and open spaces in the program. We can only accept a maximum of three participants per day for a total of 21 participants in the program. Participants will only be assigned one afternoon per week. The more days you provide as available to work, the more likely you will get into the program. Even though participants may be available multiple days, they will only be assigned one day per week.

Youth must be picked up from the Zoo's ticket booth by 5:45 p.m. The Spring 2021 session begins Monday, February 8 and runs through Sunday, May 2. There will be no Z.O.O. Crew the week of Thanksgiving or Spring Break (March 12 - March 21, 2021).

Registration Fees 


There are no participation or training fees! This is a free after-school, STEM-based, career-focused volunteer program.

How to Register 


Registration forms are accepted at the start of each fall and spring semester on a first-come-first-served basis. There is a maximum of 21 participants per semester. Please submit your registration forms early to ensure your spot in the program. This program usually fills before the deadline. Deadline for registration for the spring semester is Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Click here for the Z.O.O. Crew registration form. If spaces are available after deadline, registrations will still be accepted. For more information email Nicole Wade, Programs & Education Animals Manager, or call 785-587-2737.

Submit Applications:

Important Dates


  • Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 5:00 PM 
  • Notification of Acceptance: Friday, January 29, 2021 by 11:59 PM
  • Start of Program: Week of February 8, 2021

Helpful Documents

Check back for program documents/application.  They will be uploaded the first week of each semester.

Qualifications


A passion for animals and desire to learn about their care in a Zoo setting. Prior work or relevant volunteer experience a plus.