Junior Zookeeper

An Entirely Different Way to Experience the Zoo

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium's Junior Zookeeper (JZK) summer program offers kids in middle school and high school firsthand career experience in the world of zoology. This valuable opportunity for teens interested in animals helps them develop life skills and allows them to work directly with animals and kids in a fun and exciting environment.

Thank you to our 2024 summer JZKs!

Applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Please check back next February for the 2026 season!

Program Requirements

To participate in the JZK program, applicants must:

  • Be 12 to 18 years old on June 1, 2025.
    • Please Note: 2025 is the last season 12-year-olds are eligible for the program. Starting in 2026, applicants must be 13 by June 1, 2026 to participate.
  • Complete online application and attend an in-person 20-minute interview.
  • Be willing to volunteer consistently throughout the summer for at least two half-day shifts per week.
    • Available shifts are 8 am - Noon and 1 - 4 pm.
  • Attend orientation and any other required training.
  • Provide evidence of a negative TB test on or before orientation.
  • Provide their own lunch (if needed) and transportation to and from the Zoo
  • Pay a program fee of $85 for members and $100 for non-members (tax included) after program acceptance.
    • The fee covers the cost of materials, 2 uniform t-shirts, and educational opportunities.
  • Read, sign, and abide to the JZK Handbook and all zoo policies.

Scholarships may be available if the program fee is a hardship for your family. Please contact KCarchedi@GPZoo.org for more information.

Note for Families:

  • The Junior Zookeeper program takes place on the Great Plains Zoo campus and is a commitment for the entire summer. We know that many teens have vacations or other camp programs, but if your child has significant summer commitments, please contact KCarchedi@GPZoo.org to see if accommodations can be made.
  • The program is open to a limited number of participants.
  • All Junior Zookeepers are supervised by seasonal or full-time Zoo staff during their shifts.

Application Process

Applications for the 2025 season are now closed. Please check back next February for the 2026 season.

  • Complete an application and submit it by Friday, April 4.
    • Returning JZKs should submit their applications by Friday, March 14.
  • Teens selected for an interview will receive an invitation.
  • Interviews for returning applicants will be held on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30.
  • Interviews for new applicants will be held on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27.
  • Teens selected for the program will receive notification of acceptance by May 6, 2025.

Important Dates

  • New JZK Applicant Information Night is 5 - 6 pm on March 12.
    • Learn more about the program and how your teen can participate.
  • The program will kick off on Wednesday, May 15
    • Program fee, TB tests, and scheduling calendars must be turned in on this date
  • Orientation is required for all JZKs
    • ZooCamp Assistant and Zoo Interpreter orientation is Tuesday, May 27 from 9 am - 3:30 pm.
    • Animal Care Assistant and Advanced Teen orientation is Wednesday, May 28 from 9 am - 4 pm.
    • The program begins on June 2 and ends on August 10
    • JZKs will be recognized for their hard work at an Achievement Ceremony on August 13.

Junior ZooKeeper Roles

Starting in 2025 all first-year participants will be assigned either a ZooCamp Assistant or Zoo Interpreter role, regardless of their age.

Zoocamp Assistant and Zoo interpreter

The ZooCamp Assistant (previously White Level) and Zoo Interpreter (previously Yellow Level) roles provide an excellent introduction to familiarize themselves with the zoo and to build their skills interacting with zoo guests of all ages. Both roles help develop the skills and knowledge needed for the Animal Care Assistant role.

The ZooCamp Assistants are a vital piece to ZooCamp as they help our ZooCamp teachers with all of the crafts, games, and activities. ZooCamp Assistants do not work directly with, or handle, animals in this role. It requires at least two half-day shifts per week, Monday - Friday.

Zoo Interpreters will engage with guests throughout the zoo. They will provide informal interactions as a Zoo Mascot and greeter and provide morning story time. Through Discovery and Conservation Carts, they will help facilitate connections for our guests with animal artifacts and activities. They also encourage a positive experience between zoo guests and the farm animals.

Zoo Interpreters do not work directly with, or handle, animals in this role. This role requires two half-day shifts per week and must include one weekend shift a month.

Animal Care Assistant (previously red level)

Animal Care teens must be at least 14 years old and have participated in the program the previous summer. They will help care for animals on the farm and present ambassador animals to zoo guests during our daily Creature Features presentations. They will gain experience in animal care and handling while also developing basic presentation skills.

This role requires two half-day shifts per week must include one weekend shift a month.

Advanced Teens (previously purple level)

Any 17-year-old who participated in the program the previous summer can apply to be an Advanced Teen. Advanced Teens will be selected through the same application process, but with additional essays and interview questions. Responsibilities include assisting in daily care of the ambassador animal collection, handling advanced animals, presenting animals to ZooCamp, and leading activities and games during ZooCamp. We can accommodate up to 3 teens in this role; if not, selected participants are still eligible for an Animal Care Assistant.

This role requires 1 - 2 full-day shifts per week, Monday - Friday.