Zoo Crew 2012

"I think that Zoo Crew is one of the best learning experience I could have had the ooportunity to be involved in! The Zoo was one of my favorite places as a child, and I want other children to be able to experience that magic! I figured that this is one of the few ways that I could contribute to my local zoo." Kate Rawlinson, Zoo Crew member

Zoo Crew is one of the most successful and unique youth volunteer programs in Nebraska. Each year, 350 students in 7-12 grades, volunteer their time because they are passionate about the environment and animals. Members are given leadership roles within the Zoo and begin their Zoo-time experiences by leading pony rides or giving presentations at Critter Encounter.

Zoo Crew members learn more than job skills and responsibility, they learn how to care for animals and build relationships with their peers.

Goals of this nationally recognized program include:

• To increase the student's knowledge of the natural world
• To create a sense of environmental stewardship in each participant
• To nurture a mature attitude toward job responsibility
• To enhance the student's communication skills
• To provide a fun, educational experience

Level 1 and 2 Zoo Crew will be split into two groups - education and husbandry. Below is a brief description of these specializations:

Education: Our education specialization is for kids who enjoy talking and interacting with the public. Even if you are on the shy side this is a great opportunity to work on your social skills while having fun at the Zoo. A few of the activities education kids will get to do are giving pony rides, holding animals at Critter Encounter for visitors to enjoy, sharing information and helping with Zoo camps.

Husbandry: Our husbandry specialization lets kids learn how to care for many of our animals. They will learn to clean cages, make diets, do wellness checks and many other facets of animal husbandry. Our husbandry kids will help care for animals at Critter Encounter, The Hive, First Hand Farm and other areas.