Zoo Crew
Dates for the 2027 Zoo Crew applications will be announced later!
Applications for the 2026 Zoo Crew sessions are closed. Subscribe to our e-mail list to receive updates on the 2027 Zoo Crew applications.
Zoo Crew is a group of dedicated youth volunteers, grades 7-12, who support the Zoo’s mission to enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things. Students will increase their knowledge of the natural world, develop a sense of environmental stewardship, and increase their job readiness and communication skills.
Zoo Crew volunteers will:
- Learn from animal care and education professionals
- Perform beginner’s animal husbandry
- Engage with zoo guests and summer campers
- Develop life and job skills
Two Tracks
Animal Care Track
Animal care volunteers will work with our keeper staff to learn basic animal husbandry and the skills necessary to work in the zookeeping industry.
Education Track
Education volunteers will work with our summer camp program, learning about environmental education from our staff and working directly with campers.
Zoo Crew Dates & Cost
Session Dates
Session 1: April 18 - June 26 • Training date: April 12, 1-4pm
Session 2: June 22 - August 30 • Training date: June 21, 1-4pm
*** Because Junior Counselors do not work weekends when camp is not in session, they will work both Session 1 and Session 2 for the duration of camp (May 26 – July 31) • Training dates: May 2, 9am-4pm and May 9, 9am-12pm
Volunteers will initially choose ONE session to apply for and will work ONE weekday per session. On your application, you will indicate interest in Session 1, Session 2, or both. If you select both, you may be assigned to one or the other based upon demand and availability. It is also possible that you could be accepted to work both sessions consecutively, depending on quality of application and availability. Please keep in mind that job training and life skills class curriculum is the same in both sessions.
Cost
$250 per session
Fees cover orientation, T-shirt, name tag, daily supervision by keepers and Zoo Crew manager, and program supplies and materials. Benefits include a 10% discount in the cafe and gift shop as well as exclusive Zoo Crew social activities throughout the season!
Zoo Crew Hours
- Each Zoo Crew member will sign up for ONE weekday to work and will work only that day of the week throughout the session.
- Weekday shifts will only be worked during LPS summer break.
- In addition to your chosen day of the week, you will also be assigned a Wild Wednesday night as well as weekend and Boo at the Zoo shifts.
- Each weekday is limited to 26 Zoo Crew – five Junior Counselors, nine Level Ones, nine Level Twos, and three Level Threes. Junior Counselors will not work on the weekends.
- Each animal care volunteer will be partnered with a similarly-aged peer every day for their station rotations throughout the zoo.
Weekday Work Hours (LPS Summer Break)
*8:00am – 4:45pm, with a half-hour lunch break and a fifteen-minute afternoon break.
Wild Wednesday nights in June, July, and August: 4:45-8pm
*Zoo Crew will only work their weekday shifts over LPS summer break!
Weekday Assigned Days
Session One
Monday Crew – May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22
Tuesday Crew – May 26, June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23
Wednesday Crew – May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24
Thursday Crew – May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25
Friday Crew – May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26
Session Two
Monday Crew – June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27
Tuesday Crew – June 30, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28
Wednesday Crew – July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29
Thursday Crew – July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
Friday Crew – July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31
Weekend Work Hours
9:30am – 4:45pm, with a half-hour lunch break and a fifteen-minute afternoon break.
Other Assigned Days
In addition to your chosen weekday, Zoo Crew will also work the following assigned weekend, Wild Wednesday, and Boo at the Zoo shifts:
Weekend Assigned Days
Session One
Monday Crew – April 18, May 3, May 23, June 7
Tuesday Crew – April 19, May 9, May 24, June 13
Wednesday Crew – April 25, May 10, May 30, June 14
Thursday Crew – April 26, May 16, May 31, June 20
Friday Crew – May 2, May 17, June 6, June 21
Session Two
Mondays – June 27, July 12, August 1, August 16
Tuesdays – June 28, July 18, August 2, August 22
Wednesdays – July 4, July 19, August 8, August 23
Thursdays – July 5, July 25, August 9, August 29
Fridays – July 11, July 26, August 15, August 30
Wild Wednesdays
Session One
Monday Zoo Crew will work the evening of June 3
Tuesday Zoo Crew will work the evening of June 10
Wednesday Zoo Crew will work the evening of July 1
Thursday Zoo Crew will work the evening of June 17
Friday Zoo Crew will work the evening of June 24
Session Two
Monday Zoo Crew will work the evenings of July 8 and August 5
Tuesday Zoo Crew will work the evenings of July 15 and August 19
Wednesday Zoo Crew will work the evening of August 12
Thursday Zoo Crew will work the evenings of July 22 and August 26
Friday Zoo Crew will work the evening of July 29
Boo at the Zoo
Each weekday crew will be assigned one night of Boo at the Zoo. These assignments will be determined at a later date.
Zoo Crew Social Events
Pool Party • TBD
Movie Night • October 9, 6:00-8:30pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Zoo Crew can’t attend one of their scheduled dates?
When registering, you should choose a day of the week with the least number of conflicts for your Zoo Crew. If a participant can’t make a scheduled shift, they should alert the Education team with at least 24 hours' notice. We understand this isn’t always possible in the event of illness, but please try to report all pre-planned absences in advance by emailing jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or calling 402-475-6741 ext. 137
Can my Zoo Crew pick up additional dates or find a sub?
Due to the limited number of spots available every day, we are not able to accommodate additional Zoo Crew or subs unless requested by the Education team. This is to help keep Zoo Crew running smoothly and not overwhelm the zoo’s animal care team.
What kind of classes will Zoo Crew attend during their session?
Classes will be led by the Zoo Crew manager and will educate students on topics such as job skills, career readiness, college options, public speaking, animal research, and more!
What is the age requirement to register for Zoo Crew?
Zoo Crew is for students who will be entering 7th grade through 12th grade in the fall.
What does the acceptance process look like?
The application deadline for Zoo Crew has been extended. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until all spots have been filled. If you applied by February 13th, acceptance e-mails will be sent by Friday, March 13th. Previous participation in Zoo Crew does not guarantee a returning spot in the 2026 season.
Other questions?
Contact the Education Team by emailing jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or call 402.475.6741 ext. 137
