Volunteer With Us

Sunset Zoo volunteers are important members of our team. Once trained, these community members assist with a variety of Zoo efforts including guided tours, education classes, animal observations, conservation efforts, community and special events, and so much more. Program offerings for youth to adults.  If you know the program you are interested in, use the links to the left to go directly to the program's page.  Otherwise, explore all our programs based on age by using the links below.

Adult Opportunities

Zoo Corps

Zoo Corps volunteers are adults, 18 and older, who care about their local zoo and want to help out in their community. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to promote the Zoo with your passion, help with special events and engage in lifelong learning.

Volunteer Career Experience

Are you looking to receive college credit for a career oriented volunteer experience? Sunset Zoo is looking for individuals to volunteer in short (practicum) and long (internship) career focused opportunities. Participants gain real-world experience in the zoo and aquarium industry at an AZA accredited facility. Many areas of focus are available.

Job Shadow

Do you think you might be interested in a career in the zoo industry, but want to learn more about it? Choose Sunset Zoo for your job shadow experience and spend a day in the life of a zoo employee. - Currently not accepting Job Shadow participants due to COVID-19.

FrogWatch of the Flint Hills

Global amphibian species are declining! You and your family can be a part of the conservation solution; help Sunset Zoo & the Milford Nature Center survey the local amphibian population.

Teen Opportunities

Zoo Teens

High school teens, ages 14 through 19, help educate others about animals and conservation while working with Sunset Zoo's animal residents.

ZOO Crew After School Program

Middle and high school students learn respect for animals, gain important life and work skills, and help care for the Zoo's education animal collection during this after-school program offered in the fall and spring.

Job Shadow

Not sure what you want to be when you grow up? Do you think you might be interested in a career in the zoo industry, but want to learn more about it? Choose Sunset Zoo for your job shadow experience and spend a day in the life of a zoo employee. Must be 16 years old or older to participate. - Currently not accepting Job Shadow participants due to COVID-19.

FrogWatch of the Flint Hills

Global amphibian species are declining! You and your family can be a part of the conservation solution; help Sunset Zoo survey the local amphibian population. Must be 14 years old or older to participate.

Pre-teen Opportunities

Junior Conservation Crew

Thanks to the support of the Gregory P. St. Amand Memorial, Sunset Zoo is launching the Junior Conservation Crew in 2021.  This is a conservation focused program for youth, 10 through 13 years of age.  Participants will engage in conservation projects weekly throughout the summer, creating real impact on wildlife.

Junior Zookeepers

Sunset Zoo's Junior ZooKeepers (JZKs) are youth, 10 through 13 years of age, who shadow our keeper staff and help care for the Zoo's animal collection over the summer months.

ZOO Crew After School Program

Middle and high school students learn respect for animals, gain important life and work skills, and help care for the Zoo's education animal collection during this after-school program offered in the fall and spring.

FrogWatch for Families

You and your family can contribute to real science! Participate in fun games and activities to learn about our native frogs, their calls, and where to find them. We will also teach you how to record data for the citizen science FrogWatch network. Be a part of this conservation solution.

Group Opportunities

Community Groups

Is your organization or group looking for place to volunteer together? Sunset Zoo offers group volunteer opportunities to our community members!

Already a Zoo volunteer? 
Login to the Zoo's online Volunteer Portal to sign up for volunteer opportunities and track your service hours. Contact Nicole Wade, zoovolunteer@cityofmhk.com or 785-587-2737, if you have trouble signing in.