The Jr. Keeper program encourages hands-on learning, creativity, teamwork, a sense of stewardship towards the environment and the development of work place and life skills through a wide variety of volunteer experiences. The Jr. Keeper Program requires at least a one year commitment of volunteering. (One shift per week Sept.-May, after summer training is completed.) A wider array of volunteer opportunities and experiences around the Zoo will open up to the youth after the completion of the first year.

The Jr. Keeper Program is open to youth entering the 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the Fall. Applications will be mailed in early January. Interviews for applicants who submitted complete applications will be held in March. Accepted Jr. Keepers will need to attend Orientation in May, a Retreat in June, and a month-long Summer Training held in July, Monday thru Friday, from 9 am - 4 pm.

** Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2013 year. All spots have been filled. **