Ever wondered what it’s like to work at the Zoo? Do you have an interest in Animal Science, Biology, or Education? Want to spend your summer volunteering at the Zoo? Then Zoo Crew is for you! Students entering grades 7 through 12 will gain important life and job skills through one of Nebraska's most successful youth volunteer programs.
Zoo Crew volunteers will:
- Learn skills related to career development
- Work at interactive experience stations throughout the Zoo and engage with Zoo guests
- Learn about animals' natural history and conservation status
Learn from Animal ProfessionalsAttend classes led by animal professionals including President Emeritus, John Chapo, Lincoln Children's Zoo animal care experts, education specialists and more! | Perform General HusbandryWork directly with zookeepers and staff to perform routine duties such as feeding, cleaning, and general husbandry for our animals. | Engage with Zoo GuestsGive Zoo guests up close animal experiences by helping trained Zoo staff present animals in The Hive and Critter Outpost. |
Zoo Crew 2023
Cost: $150 per session
This fee includes a T-shirt and all professional development sessions.
Session 1: May 26-June 30
Training: April 22nd from 9:00am - 2:00pm and May 13th from 12:30pm - 4:45pm. Volunteers need to attend both.
Session 2: July 1-August 11
Training: Training will take place during the first shifts of Session Two.
You may sign up for both sessions. Session Two registration is now open.
*Zoo Crew levels are determined by the grade your volunteer will be entering in the fall.*
| Zoo Crew Levels | |
|---|---|
| Zoo Crew Explorer 7th - 8th Grade | Zoo Crew Explorer is intended for those students who are interested in learning more about animals and their habitats and are new to the world of volunteering. ZCE students will improve their understanding of what it means to be a volunteer as well as broaden their knowledge of zoo operations like animal husbandry, interpretation, nature play and more. |
| Jr. Zoo Ambassador 9th - 10th Grade | Jr. Zoo Ambassador is created to challenge students who are in their first years of high school and find themselves more and more interested in environmental and life sciences. Jr. ZA will enhance their knowledge of animal behavior/handling, conservation, as well as taking a deeper look into the many careers paths one can take at a Zoo. |
| Zoo Ambassador 11th - 12th Grade | Zoo Ambassador is designed for those who have completed prior years of Zoo volunteering and are dedicated to the Zoo’s mission of helping enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things. Zoo Ambassadors will have the opportunity to showcase what they have learned in the program by assisting keepers with animal diet preparation, presentations at the Wild Safari Theater and Cheetah Chase and daily animal care. During the summer Zoo Ambassador students can become Zoo Crew Leads and assist with mentoring Zoo Explorers and Junior Zoo Ambassadors. |
Find available spots in calendar view in the month of May for Session One or July for Session Two.
Zoo Crew Hours
Each Zoo Crew member will sign up for ONE weekday to work and they will work only that day of the week throughout the session. In addition to your chosen day of the week, each Zoo Crew member will also be required to work two weekend shifts and one Wild Wednesday shift during their session.
Weekday and Weekend Work Times:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm with a one-hour lunch break
8:00 am - 10:00 am will be used as training times as well as assisting with Zoo opening procedures.
Please sign up for ONE weekday. Each day is limited to 15 Zoo Explorers, 10 Jr. Ambassadors and 5 Ambassadors.
Example: I can work every Monday in my session.
Session One
Monday session one dates: May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesday session one dates: May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Wednesday session one dates: May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursday session onedates: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Friday session one dates: May 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Session Two
Monday session two dates: July 3,10,17,24, 31, Aug 7
Tuesday session two dates: July 4, 11, 18, 25, Aug 1, 8
Wednesday session two dates: July 5, 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9
Thursday session two dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10
Friday session two dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4, 11
Weekend Assigned Days:
In addition to your chosen day of the week, you will also be assigned a Saturday and Sunday to volunteer for.
Session One
Monday: will also work May 27th and June 11th
Tuesday: will also work May 28th and June 17th
Wednesday: will also work June 3rd and June 18th
Thursday: will also work June 4th and June 24th
Friday: will also work June 10th and June 25th
Session 2
Monday: will also work July 1, 30 and Aug 5
Tuesday: will also work July 2, 8, and Aug 6
Wednesday: will also work July 9 and 15
Thursday: will also work July 16 and 22
Friday: will also work July 23 and 29
Wild Wednesday:
4:45 pm to 8:00 pm
You will be assigned one Wednesday upon completion of registration.
Session One
May 31
June 7
June 14
June 21
June 28
Session Two
July 5
July 12
July 19
July 26
July 26
August 2
August 9
Questions?
Contact the Education Team by emailing blewis@lincolnzoo.org or calling 402.475.6741
