Jr Zookeeper Club: This monthly program began in 2009 with feedback from participants who had completed programming designed for younger students, but still wanted to grow with us! Designed for tweens, Jr. Zookeeper Club is more inquiry and career-oriented, helping students maintain an interest in animals, science and environmental stewardship. Participants may interact with keepers, tour behind-the-scenes facilities or contribute to conservation projects. Many Jr. Zookeepers have continued on to become Zoo Teens. “I remember enjoying the excitement I got from seeing all the animals and hearing about their daily lives. This inspired me to want to spread that spark, hoping others would get it as well. So I joined the Zoo Teens in hopes of inspiring others, just as being a Jr. Zookeeper did for me.” 13