CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd; 502-744-5639; Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Louisville Zoo’s annual job fair and January’s Birthday Bash will be rescheduled to Saturday, Jan. 31 due to impending winter weather.
Job Fair (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
The Zoo is seeking outgoing, highly motivated individuals who enjoy working with the public to fill seasonal positions in various departments.
Positions are available in admissions, animal departments, education, front desk, guest services, horticulture, membership and Splash Park. Candidates will receive training in their area. Animal and education departments require additional experience.
The compensation for seasonal positions starts at $16.65 per hour. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age and able to work a variable schedule that includes nights and weekends from March through November. Some positions require applicants to be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. For positions requiring CPR/First Aid Certification, the Zoo will provide training.
Seasonal positions in the Zoo’s animal departments require one year of college with a declared major in biology or a closely related field, as well as one year of working with animals in an institutional setting.
To apply for seasonal positions in the education department, candidates must have completed one year of college seeking a degree in elementary or secondary education, have one year of experience working with children in a formal or informal teaching setting (school, day camp, zoo or other cultural attraction), and have background knowledge of biology, ecology or related fields.
In addition to working in a unique environment, seasonal Zoo employees receive free Zoo admission and parking for the duration of their employment term as well as discounts in Zoo gift shops and food concession locations with Zoo ID.
The Zoo has full and part-time positions available in various areas. Visit louisvillezoo.org/hr for information on the positions and how to apply.
Birthday Bash (10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
This new monthly series will continue throughout the year to honor some of the Zoo’s most beloved residents.
The birthday stars will enjoy species-specific enrichment treats designed just for them. Plus, guests can enjoy special keeper talks that reveal fascinating animal stories and care insights.
Birthday Bash Schedule (subject to change):
10:15 a.m. Siamang Darwin (23) Islands
10:30 a.m. Leopard Tortoises Esmerelda and Lavern (both 7) Giraffe bldg./Hyrax habitat
11 a.m. Western Lowland Gorilla Jelani (29) Gorilla Forest
11:15 a.m. Polar Bear Qannik (15, pronounced “KUN-ick”) Glacier Run
11:30 a.m. Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Gibbs (19) Africa/Zebra
12:15 p.m. African Penguins Clyde (7) Islands
2 p.m. Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth Fern (9) – keeper talk Sloth
2:15 p.m. Grey Seals Boone (22) and Rona (12) Glacier Run
The January Birthday Bash is free with Zoo admission. Plan your visit and see the full schedule at https://louisvillezoo.org/birthdaybash.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.
About the Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. For more information visit www.louisvillezoo.org.
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