Next week, youth interested in being a part of an award winning program through the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington will need to attend an informative meeting next week.

Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff says their award winning Jr. Zookeeper program will be hosting three meetings next week that will be required for youth to participate in the program this year. He calls the program a unique opportunity.

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For first time applicants, it is not guaranteed they will get in, however, Tetzloff notes, the first time entrance rate has increased in recent years. Around 100 students are currently a part of the Jr. Zookeeper program.

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While the program is a great opportunity for future veterinarians or zoology majors, Tetzloff stresses the program isn't necessarily just for them. He explains their youth in the past have gone on to a lot of different fields of study. He feels the program is simply a great learning experience for anyone.

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Students exiting fifth grade this school year or older are eligible to be a part of the Jr. Zookeeper program. Tetzloff notes the meetings next week are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7 pm to 8 pm at the zoo.

He notes, attending only one meeting is required as the same information is presented at each.