Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo

Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$18 adults, $12 children
 

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Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$18 adults, $12 children
 

View All Rates ›
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Blank Park Zoo Animal Care Internship

Click here to download the animal care internship application

Internships are available to college students looking to gain knowledge and experience in the animal care field.  The following teams accept interns:  Ambassador, Aquatics, Avian/Reptiles, Carnivore/Pinniped, Large Mammals/Hoof-stock, and Small Mammals.  Please see area descriptions for more information.

 Summer interns must be available a minimum 32 hours per week, between the hours of 7:00am – 4:00pm, including weekends and holidays.

Spring and Fall interns must be available a minimum of 16 hours per week, between the hours of 7:00am – 4:00pm, including weekend and holidays.

Animal Care Intern Learning Objectives:

  • Animal observation and record keeping
  • Daily cleaning and disinfection protocols
  • Exhibit maintenance
  • Gain an understanding of AZA, USDA guidelines in animal care
  • Guest interactions & keeper chats
  • Introduction to behavioral enrichment and training
  • Introduction to animal restraint and handling
  • Learn to work independently as well as with a team
  • Proper diet preparation
  • Select and execute a project with the help of animal care staff, presented at the completion of the internship.
  • Will work alongside adult and teen volunteers
  • Veterinary procedure observations
     

Requirements:

  • 18 years or older, currently enrolled in college and receiving college credit for the internship.
  • On the first day of orientation interns must provide proof from their university that the internship will be for college credit. A letter from a college advisor is acceptable.
  • Preference is given to those who are in the zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or related field
  • Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
  • Test negative for TB, test will need to be completed by the intern  done and paperwork turned in by the first day.
  • Successfully complete a background check
  • Capable of lifting 50 lbs.
  • Willing and able to work in all weather conditions

Additional Information about Animal Care Areas

Ambassador Animals

Interns will have the opportunity to work with and learn about a wide variety of animals including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Aquatics

Species in the area include a variety of Indo-Pacific and Atlantic tropical reef fishes and invertebrates, Amazonian fish, reptiles and amphibians, African cichlids, Pacific cold-water fish and invertebrates, and North American pond turtles. Interns, who have SCUBA certification who have passed a doctor’s physical assessment may be asked to aid in diving to clean exhibits.

Avian & Reptiles

Interns will gain experience in daily husbandry, exhibit upkeep, observations, enrichment and training for a diverse group of birds. This includes 30+ species of birds and 3 species of reptiles. Please note penguins are not a part of the bird team.

Carnivore/Pinniped

Interns will gain husbandry experience working around Magellan penguin, ring tailed lemur, gibbon, pacific harbor seal, and California sea lions. Interns must be able to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions. Interns work alongside mentor trainers to observe animal training sessions with pinnipeds, primates, Amur tiger and African lion. Access into the cat complex is limited.

Large Mammals

Interns will gain experience with all aspects of exotic ungulate husbandry. Species in this section: reticulated giraffe, black rhino, okapi, yellow-backed duiker, addax, red river hogs, nyala, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and Bactrian camels.

Small Mammals & Kids Kingdom

Interns work alongside keepers to observe animal procedures, handling, and transport. Species in this section: Bennett's wallaby, Nigerian dwarf goats, llamas, mulefoot pigs, common Indian peafowl, trumpeter swans, and miniature donkey. Individuals may gain the opportunity to assist with the daily care of red panda and cotton-top tamarin. If rabies vaccinated, interns may have the opportunity to work with Egyptian and Jamaican fruit bats. For safety precautions, interns will not be working with our Japanese macaques.

Click here to download the animal care internship application

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