Zookeeper Apprentice Program

Introductory ZAP is the first level of our Zookeeper Apprentice Program.

Introductory ZAP has sold out for 2025. Please check out Conservation Academy and Zooniversity for teen Summer Learning Adventures.

 

 

Students will learn what it takes to be a zookeeper by working in Farms, helping with various zoo tasks and learning about animals and zoos as a whole. There will be some class time, but the majority of this class is hands on out in the zoo. This program includes an evaluation component. Our staff will evaluate each student at the end of each week to reflect upon their work ethic, attitude and work quality. To qualify for Intermediate ZAP, our second ZAP session, students must achieve a final total score of 18+ and no individual scores of 1 or less. Hours are also tracked throughout all ZAP levels.

All students must be 14 years or older. If an Introductory ZAP student is 15 or older, there is space in an Intermediate ZAP session later in the summer, and they qualify with the appropriate Introductory ZAP score, they may take said level in the same summer via email invitation.

Introductory ZAP is the base of all future ZAP opportunities. Sedgwick County Zoo will invite students to subsequent levels who successfully complete a level of ZAP the previous summer. If you believe your student has passed Introductory ZAP (or ZAP 1) and are looking for an upper level (Intermediate or Capstone), please contact the Education Department at 316-266-8213.

*A reminder: Students may spend some time inside and out, but the majority of this class is outside and includes zookeeper type work and chores. Please wear closed toed shoes and dress for the weather. All students should bring a water bottle with their name clearly marked on it.

ZAP programs run Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – noon for two weeks. Once you have registered, we are unable to accommodate changes in a student’s program date or level. Please register for the date and level your student plans to attend. No class transfers or refunds.

 

If you have questions about Summer Learning Adventures that may affect enrollment, including whether a class is appropriate for your child, please contact us before purchase. You may either email zooeducation@scz.org or call us at 316-266-8213. No class transfers or refunds.

If you have not received an email for Intermediate ZAP or Capstone ZAP and are looking for such, please contact the Education Department at zooeducation@scz.org.

 

Not seeing the ZAP level you’re looking for? 

Students who have successfully completed ZAP 1 or Introductory ZAP have received an invitation to the next level of ZAP. Please check the email address with which you registered for ZAP 1 for an invitation to register for Intermediate ZAP or Capstone ZAP. If you have questions, please contact the Education Department at zooeducation@scz.org.  

 

Educational Goals and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

To review our Educational Goals for Summer Learning Adventures and answers to frequently asked questions, please click here.

Learning Adventures Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct

To ensure a productive, safe and fun environment, appropriate behavior is expected of all of our Learning Adventures participants.  Please review the following expectations with your child before their adventures begin.

Please review our Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct before attending your Summer Learning Adventure.

Participant Waiver

Once you have purchased a ticket for any class for which the participant is dropped off, you will receive an email with a link to the required waiver. Each participant must have a waiver on file with the Education Department prior to the beginning of class. The waiver may also be found here.

 

Ticket sales for the Zookeeper Apprentice Program end on Friday at 12:00 noon before your chosen class begins on Monday. 

• June 9-20, 2025 (We will hold class on June 19.) 
• June 23 – July 4, 2025 (We will hold class on July 4.) 
• July 14 – 25, 2025 

Member Tickets     Non-Member Tickets

Each ticket purchase includes a Teen Summer Learning Adventures t-shirt. If you would like to purchase an extra t-shirt, please click here.

Terms and Conditions: Each person over the age of six months who attends any education program must have a ticket. Space is limited. Tickets will be scanned at the door. All classes take place rain or shine. Your purchase serves as your permission for use of your image by Sedgwick County Zoo. All reservations are final. Ticket may not be copied or resold and may be used only once. Tickets will not be replaced if lost, stolen or unused. No refunds.