Go Behind the Scenes at Sunset Zoo

Help educate others about animals and conservation while working with Sunset Zoo's animal residents. Zoo Teens are high school aged volunteers, 14 to 19 years old. (All zoo teens must be pursuing a high school education while participating in the program). Zoo teens gain behind-the-scenes experience with all aspects of the Zoo's daily operations including: shadowing staff, animal demonstrations, Zookeeping chores, conservation projects, photography and much, much more! As a Zoo volunteer, you choose the activities that interest you most.

Dates & Times of Volunteering

Sunset Zoo is open 360 days a year, seven days a week and volunteers are important part of those daily operations. Once volunteers complete training, actual volunteer service is flexible with a Zoo Teen's schedule. There are variety of opportunities throughout the year to volunteer at Zoo special events and education programs, as well as working with Zoo staff to identify specific projects in line with a volunteer's interests.

Training Sessions for Zoo Teens 

Training occurs once a year in late spring. Zoo Teens (new and returning) must complete all required training. Registration is accepted annually until the spring training date. If you are interested in the Zoo Teen program, complete the Zoo's online zoo teen volunteer registration form. 

Training will be conducted in two parts this year. There will be an online portion that will be at-your-own-pace and will take approximately 8 hours to complete. The second part will be an in-person training from 10AM - 6PM on Saturday, May 14th. Completion of all training materials by the deadline will be required in order to participate in the zoo teen program. Registered Zoo Teens will receive updates concerning training requirements as we enter April.

Start date for online training: Friday, April 14th
Deadline for completion of online training: Thursday, May 11th
In-person training: Saturday, May 13th 10AM - 6PM

Application & Registration Fees

New Zoo Teens

There is a $65 registration fee for new Zoo Teens; fee covers training materials, volunteer polo and more. Interested teens should register online by April 30th to provide enough time to complete the online training. Please contact Nicole Wade if you wish to register after April 30th.

Fees and forms will be due Thursday, April 13th. Forms will be sent at the beginning of April and payment can be made in person or over the phone. Online training link will be sent on April 14th by 12:00 PM to those that have turned in payment and forms. For those that register after April 13th, payment is due upon registration. Once payment is received, you will gain access to forms and the online training. Forms will be due within 7 days of registration or by May 7th, whichever is sooner.

Returning Zoo Teens

There is a $20 registration fee for returning Zoo Teens. Returning volunteers are required to complete both the online and in-person training sessions. Zoo staff will contact volunteers in early April with additional information regarding the training sessions and fees.

For more information, email Nicole Wade or call her at 785-587-2737.

Qualifications

A passion for animals and desire to learn about their care in a Zoo setting. Prior work or relevant volunteer experience a plus.