Junior Zookeeper

An Entirely Different Way to Experience the Zoo

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium's Junior ZooKeeper (JZK) summer program offers teens 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 both animals and kids in a fun and exciting environment.

Interested in becoming a JZK for summer 2027?

Teens and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to join us for our Junior ZooKeeper Interest Night on March 2, 2027 at 5:30 pm to learn more about this teen volunteer program!

Fill out the interest form below or email Education@GPZoo.org with your name and your teen's name to be notified when applications open for 2027.

JZK Interest Form

Complete this form to be notified when the 2027 JZK application window is open.

Program Requirements

To participate in the JZK program, applicants must:

  • Be 13 to 18 years old on June 1, 2027.
  • 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 Education@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 Education@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

Returning Junior zookeepers
  • Applications will be sent out the first week of February and will close on March 6, 2027.
    • Interviews will take place March 20 & 21, 2027.
New Junior Zookeepers
  • Applications will be available the first week of March and will close on April 1, 2027.
  • New applicants selected for an interview will receive an invitation after the applications are closed.
    • Interviews will take place April 17 & 18, 2027.

Important Dates

  • March 2, 2027 | 5:30-6:30 pm
    • JZK Interest Night - Learn more about the program and how your teen can participate.
  • April 30, 2027 | 5:30-7:30 pm
    • Program Kickoff  for participants and their parent(s)/guardian(s)
    • All program fees, TB tests results, and availability calendars will be due at kickoff!
  • June 1, 2027 | 8:30 am-4 pm
    • New JZK Orientation
  • June 2, 2027 | 8:30 am-4 pm
    • Returning JZK Orientation
  • Program runs June 7 through August 15, 2027
  • August 24, 2027 | 5:30-7:30 pm
    • End of Year Awards and Celebration (open to immediate family)

Please note: Kickoff and Orientation are REQUIRED for all accepted JZK participants. If this is a concern for your JZK, please reach out once accepted to AWilson@GPZoo.org.

Junior ZooKeeper Roles

The program will kick off on Friday, April 30, 2027. Program fee, TB tests, and scheduling calendars must be turned in on this date.

Orientation is required for all JZKs

All first-year participants will be ZooCamp Assistants or Zoo Interpreters, regardless of their age.

Education JZK (Zoocamp Assistant and Zoo interpreter)

The Education JZK role provides an excellent introduction for teens to familiarize themselves with the zoo and to build their skills interacting with zoo guests of all ages. This first role helps to develop the skills and knowledge needed for the Animal Care Assistant role.

ZooCamp Assistants are a vital piece to ZooCamp as they help teachers with all of the crafts, games, and activities. Zoo Interpreters engage guests throughout the zoo with a variety of different programs. Through Discovery Carts, they 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 lead our storytime program in the summer, and will have the option to participate as mascots, greeting guests at the front gates.

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

Animal Care Assistant

Animal Care teens must be at least 14 years old and have participated in the program the previous summer. They assist in the care of our animals on the farm and present ambassador animals to zoo guests during our daily Creature Features. They will gain valuable experience in animal care and handling while also further developing presentation skills they gained as as Zoo Interpreters.

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

Advanced JZK

Any 17-year-old who participated in the program the previous summer can apply to be an Advanced JZK. Advanced JZKs will be selected through the same application process, along with additional essays and interview questions. Responsibilities include assisting zoo staff in daily care of ambassador animals, handling more advanced ambassador animals, and leading activities and games during ZooCamp, including the daily Animal Encounters. We can accommodate up to 3 teens in this role; if not, selected participants are still eligible to participate as an Animal Care Assistant.

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