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 Monday through Friday during the school year from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 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 six participants per day for a total of 30 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 5:30 p.m. The Spring 2020 session begins Monday, February 10 and runs through Friday, May 1. There will be no Z.O.O. Crew the week of Thanksgiving or Spring Break.

Registration Fees & Transportation


No participation or training fee. Optional transportation from the student's school to the Zoo is provided by Z.O.O. Crew Supervisors. A nominal transportation fee may be applied if volunteers require transportation from school to the Zoo. 

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 30 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 Friday, January 31, 2020. 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.

Important Dates


  • Registration Deadline: Friday, January 31
  • Notification of Acceptance: Wednesday, February 5
  • Start of Program: Week of February 10

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.