MANHATTAN (KSNT) – The Sunset Zoo in Manhattan is encouraging teens ages 14 to 17 to apply for its second annual Junior Zookeeper Program.
The year-long program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on zookeeping experience on a flexible schedule. Participants will work directly with animal caretakers, helping with tasks like cleaning enclosures and preparing animal diets.
Teens will also interact with visitors by learning how to communicate and be part of a larger organization. Zoo officials say the program is ideal for students who are passionate about animals, but also for those looking to build broader life skills.
“So maybe they just really love animals, but they want to be a dentist, you know? You still need to know how to clean things, how to interact with people, how to be patient and flexible. So these are all really amazing skill sets that they get to develop here,” said Erica Buckwalter, curator of education at the zoo.
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and are encouraged to complete 80 hours of volunteer work.
Applications are open through March 31. For more information about the application, the zoo and future events, you can visit the Sunset Zoo website.
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