Junior Zookeepers

Junior Zookeepers at Wildlife Safari

The Junior Zookeeper program at Wildlife Safari allows children ages 11 to 17 the unique opportunity to learn about a variety of animals and to share their knowledge with the public. The newly developed Junior Zookeeper program was created with the goal of providing more opportunities for children to broaden their experiences, explore what it is like to work in a zoo and to develop an appreciation for the natural world. The Junior Zookeeper program has proven to be a great way for kids to learn responsibility, build leadership skills, gain self-confidence and get actual quality time with animals.

Online Registration for 2024 open NOW! 

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.

Fledgling (1-4 months experience)

  • Flamingo Husbandry
  • Cavy Husbandary
  • Education Classroom Husbandry
  • Assist with summer camps
  • Maintaining AZA standards and practices

Raptor (5+ months experience)

  • Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, and Red Tailed Hawk Husbandry
  • Village Horses and Australia Husbandry
  • Summer camp presentations
  • Preparing Diets
  • Maintaining AZA standards and practices

Day of a Junior Zookeeper

Working at a zoo, there is no typical day but generally a day in the life of a Junior Zookeeper will look like the following.

Mornings will begin with opening husbandry which may be with a variety of Education Ambassadors and Safari Village animals. You will continue the day doing dishes and preparing diets, and then will go over an education lesson.
 
Your afternoons as a junior zookeeper will inlcude closing husbandry tasks with some of our education animals, various animal encounters, and animal handling practice under the watch of our Education Keepers.

Junior Zookeepers 2024

Online Registration for 2024 open NOW! 

Please read and complete this application carefully. Children must be 11-17 years old by June 1st 2024. Available shifts are 9:00am-3:00pm, 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and a calendar of availability must be filled out. We will use these calendars of availability to help us make the schedule each month. Due to the popularity of this program, Juniors average 2 days a week and preferred shifts cannot always be guaranteed. The schedule will be sent out at least one week before the start of the next month.

Shifts are subject to change and are at the discretion of Wildlife Safari staff. 2024 sessions run through June, July and August. Children may register for one or more sessions. Program fee is $275 per month for members, $295 for non-members.*

*Fees remain the same regardless of how many days per month your child is registered for.

If you will be attending the June session, applications will be due no later than Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Please get your application in for subsequent months at least 3 weeks prior to your start date. We must have received a copy of your child’s negative TB test before they will be scheduled.

To enroll your child in the Junior Zookeeper Program, you must fully complete the online application:

For more information call 541-679-6761 ext 3221 or education@wildlifesafari.net

*Use the drop down menu to select the month you are wanting to participate in