The Junior Zookeeper Program at Miller Park Zoo is a great way to introduce 5th grade to high school students to learn about animals and how zoos work. If a child that lives in Bloomington-Normal has an interest in animals, zoos or how zoos work, then this is something that would be great for them.

This is an interview with a Junior Zookeeper who volunteered there from 2001-2009:

Q: What was your favorite part about being a Junior Zookeeper with Miller Park Zoo? A: My favorite part about being a Jr zookeeper was being able to share my knowledge and passion for animals to the public

Q: What are a few things that you learned as your experience from being a Junior Zookeeper? A: I learned a lot about how zoos operate and the importance of zoos. I learned many things about animals in the wild and their needs in captivity, obviously a lot of facts about different species at the zoo, and a lot about public speaking and what my passion in life was; animals.

Q: What made you want to be a Junior Zookeeper? A: I wanted to be a jr zookeeper because i loved animals and i thought getting involved at the zoo would be a lot of fun!

Q: How has this experience helped you with your future career? A: Being involved in this program has helped me tremendously for my career path, it has pointed me down the career path i am on, Animal Behavior, and it has provided me with a lot of knowledge about animals. It has given me also another option in my career path

This program is great for children that are interested in animals and high school students that want a future career with animals and/or zoos.