Zoo Crew

Zoo Crew

Zoo Crew is a group of dedicated youth volunteers, grades 7-12, who support the Zoo’s mission. Students will increase their knowledge of the natural world, develop a sense of environmental stewardship and evolve their job readiness and communication skills. 

Zoo Crew volunteers will:

  • Learn from Animal Professionals
  • Perform General Husbandry 
  • Engage with Zoo Guests and Campers 
  • Learn Life and Job Skills 

We’ve made some positive additions to the 2024 Zoo Crew Program!

  • Increased length of sessions
  • After hours Zoo Crew only socials
  • Additional educational opportunities for a more robust experience (classes, behind-the-scenes hands-on work, and life and job skills learning opportunities)
  • Increased supervision

Questions?

Contact the Education Team by emailing jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or calling 402.475.6741 ext. 137


Zoo Crew Sessions One and Two are SOLD OUT.

Within 48 hours after registering you will receive an e-mail with a link to fill out your Zoo Crew's information. Information and waivers must be filled out before Zoo Crew begins. 


Zoo Crew Dates & Cost

Session Dates
Session One: April 6 - July 7 • Training Date: March 24th 1-6 p.m.
Session Two: July 8 - October 14 • Training Date: June 23rd 1-6 p.m.

You may register for both sessions. 

You may only register for ONE weekday per session.

Cost
$250 per session 
Fees cover one t-shirt, name tag, 10% discount in cafe, daily supervision, program supplies and materials, keeper talks and behind-the-scenes tours, special Zoo Crew classes and workshops, orientation, Zoo Crew social activities and more! 

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. 
  • Zoo Crew will only work their week day shifts over LPS summer break.
  • In addition to your chosen day of the week, you will also be assigned weekend and Boo at the Zoo shifts. 
  • Each day is limited to 12 Zoo Crew.
  • Zoo Crew will be partnered with a similar age peer every day for their rotations in the Zoo.

Weekday & Weekend Work Times
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with a half-hour lunch and two fifteen-minute break.

*Zoo Crew will only work their week day shifts over LPS summer break.

In addition to your chosen weekday, Zoo Crew will also work the following assigned weekend and Boo at the Zoo shifts: 

Weekend Assigned Days
Session One 
Monday Zoo Crew will work April 6, April 21, May 11, June 1, June 15, July 6 
Tuesday Zoo Crew will work April 7, April 27, May 12, May 26, June 16, June 30 
Wednesday Zoo Crew will work April 13, April 28, May 18, June 2, June 22, July 7 
Thursday Zoo Crew will work April 14, May 4, May 19, June 8, June 29 
Friday Zoo Crew will work April 20, May 5, May 25, June 9, June 23 

Session Two 
Monday Zoo Crew will work July 13, August 3, August 17, September 1, September 21, October 6 
Tuesday Zoo Crew will work July 14, July 28, August 18, September 7, September 22, October 12 
Wednesday Zoo Crew will work July 20, August 4, August 24, September 8, September 28, October 13 
Thursday Zoo Crew will work July 27, August 10, August 25, September 14, September 29, 
Friday Zoo Crew will work July 21, August 11, August 31, September 15, October 5 

Boo at the Zoo 
All Monday Zoo Crew (Session 1 and 2) will work October 30th 
All Tuesday Zoo Crew (Session 1 and 2) will work October 29th  
All Wednesday Zoo Crew (Session 1 and 2) will work October 28th  
All Thursday Zoo Crew (Session 1 and 2) will work October 27th  
All Friday Zoo Crew (Session 1 and 2) will work October 26th  

Zoo Crew Social Events
Pool Party • TBD 
Movie Night at Zoo • October 18th 6-8:30 p.m. 


Frequently Asked Questions 

Last year my Zoo Crew was a Level 1. Why can’t I register for a certain level? 
This year there are no Zoo Crew levels. Zoo Crew participants will be assigned a similar aged partner for their shift and additional responsibilities will be available to those showing expertise and strong leadership skills. 

What if my Zoo Crew can’t attend their scheduled dates? 
When registering, you should choose a day of the week with the least amount 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. 

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 various zoo staff and outside professionals. This will include classes about animals, job skills, career readiness, college options and more! 

What social events will be offered for Zoo Crew? 
This year Zoo Crew will be offered the chance to attend social events outside of the normal Zoo Crew day. We currently have a pool party and movie night at the Zoo planned. 

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.


  • Visitors in 2023
    Visitors in 2023

    383,169

  • CAMPERS IN 2023
    CAMPERS IN 2023

    1,587

  • CREATURES CARED FOR
    CREATURES CARED FOR

    400