Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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.
Animal Care Interns will be introduced to general animal husbandry practices, including:
Requirements:
Additional Information about Animal Care Areas
Ambassador Animals
We are looking for students with an interest in zoology or naturalist fields who want to gain experience working with a variety of animals and people. Interns will gain hands on experience while working alongside Education Specialists. Interns will learn husbandry skills for education animals including; mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. Interns will also gain experience in properly handling animals, while facilitating zoo education programs onsite and offsite.
Aquariums
Candidates must have interest in marine and freshwater aquarium animals. 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 will be expected to learn proper diet preparation practices, water quality standards, general maintenance of aquarium exhibits, and life support systems. Interns, who have SCUBA certification who have passed a doctor’s physical assessment may be asked to aid in diving to clean exhibits. Coursework in aquatic ecology, ichthyology, fish, amphibian, or aquatic reptile disease and medicine, and general animal behavior or previous experience working with the listed species is highly desirable.
Avian & Reptiles
We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic candidates to work around a wide variety of species and exhibits. Interns will gain experience in daily husbandry, exhibit upkeep, observations, enrichment and training for a diverse group of birds and reptiles. This includes 40+ species of birds, from finches to ostrich, and 6 species of reptiles.
Carnivore/Primate Team
Candidates must be willing and able to work around all species within the carnivore/primate department. At this time, interns WILL NOT WORK IN THE CAT COMPLEX, but will have opportunities to observe training and tour the cat complex with assigned staff. Interns will not actively train animals in the department. Interns will be trained and be expected to participate in public demonstrations and keeper chats, including narrating to large audiences over microphone. Interns will be expected to research, learn and communicate accurate information about the animals to guests.
Large Mammals
Successful candidates will gain experience with all aspects of exotic ungulate husbandry, including diet, enrichment, and training. Interns work alongside keepers and may also work around neonates and observe animal procedures, handling, and transports. Species in this section: reticulated giraffe, black rhino, common eland, addax, nyala, slender-horned gazelle, and Bactrian camels.
Small Mammals & Kids Kingdom
Successful candidates will have responsibilities that may include basic husbandry, enrichment, and project planning. Interns work alongside mentor keepers to observe animal procedures, handling, and transport. Species in this section: Bennett’s Wallaby, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Llamas, and Miniature Donkey. Outstanding individuals may gain the opportunity to assist with the daily care of Red Panda, Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine, and Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin as well as working Prairie Dog routine. Interns must be able to work independently, as well as a part of a team and enjoy working with a variety of animals.
Click here to download the animal care internship application