Zookeeper Apprentice Program

ZAP 1 is the first level of our four-part Zookeeper Apprentice Program.

Students will learn what it takes to be a zookeeper by working in our Children’s Farms, helping with various Zoo tasks and learning about animals and zoos as a whole. There will be some class time. The majority of this class is hands-on out in the Zoo.

This is a competitive program. Our staff will evaluate each student at the end of each week to determine eligibility for the ZAP 2 level. All students must be 14 years or older. If a ZAP 1 student is 15 or older and successfully completes ZAP 1, and there is space in a Level 2 session later in the summer, they may move forward to Level 2 in the same year via email invitation.

ZAP 1 is the base of all future ZAP opportunities. Sedgwick County Zoo will invite students to subsequent levels who successfully complete a level of ZAP. If you have not received an email for levels, 2, 3, or 4 and are looking for such, please contact the Education Department at ZooEducation@scz.org.

This program runs 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.

Students in the Zookeeper Apprentice Program should wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.

Looking for ZAP Levels 2, 3 and 4? 

Please check the email address with which you registered for ZAP 1 for an invitation to register for ZAP 2, 3, or 4. If you have questions, please contact the Education Department at ZooEducation@scz.org.

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

To register, click the appropriate link below, select your start date and add class to your cart.

2023 Dates for ZAP 1

• June 5-16, 2023
• June 19-30, 2023
• July 3-14, 2023 (We will hold class on July 4.)
• July 17-28, 2023

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.