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:  Aquatics, Avian/Reptiles, Education, Carnivore/Primate, Large Mammals/Hoof-stock, and Small Mammals.  Please see area descriptions for more information. 

 

2020 Intern dates are as follows:	Application Deadlines:
Spring: Jan. 20 – May 1	Spring: Nov. 1
Summer: May 20 – Aug. 7	Summer: Mar. 1
Fall: Aug.24 – Dec. 4	Fall: July 1

 

Animal Care Interns will be introduced to general animal husbandry practices, including:

 

• Daily cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Animal observation and record keeping
• Proper diet preparation
• Exhibit maintenance
• Public & volunteer interactions
• Introduction to behavioral enrichment and training
• Introduction to animal restraint and handling
• Veterinary procedure participation
• Problem solving

 

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 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 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
• Summer interns must be available a minimum 35 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.
• Maximum number of hours interns can be on site during the week is 40 hours
• Previous animal care experience preferred, but not required.
• Select and execute a project with the help of animal care staff, presented at the completion of the internship.

 

Additional Information about Animal Care Areas

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 aide 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

Looking for individuals interested in working alongside keeper staff to gain knowledge in animal husbandry, training and enrichment with a diverse collection of animals. Species in the area include large cats, pinnipeds, primates, otters and penguins. Interns who possess appropriate public speaking skills may be asked to narrate demonstrations. For safety reasons interns will have limited interaction with both large cats and certain primate species.

Education

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who enjoys working with a variety of animals and people of all ages. Interns will get lots of hands on experience while working closely with our Education Specialists to learn about husbandry for nearly 50 species of program animals including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrates.  Interns will also get the chance to learn how to properly handle the animals and educate people about them at the zoo and offsite. Experience or coursework with small animals and public speaking is preferred but not required.

Large Mammals

Successful candidates will gain experience with all aspects of exotic ungulate husbandry, including diet, enrichment, and training. Interns work alongside keeper 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, watusi, and Bactrian camels.

Small Mammals & Kids Kingdom

Primary responsibilities include husbandry, observations and enrichment in our Contact Area working with Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Llamas, Miniature Zebu and Prairie Dogs.  Proven individuals may have the opportunity to assist with the daily care of Bennett's Wallaby, Red Panda, and Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin.  Interns must be able to work independently, as well part of a team.  Experience with domestic livestock or corresponding coursework highly preferred.

Click here to download the animal care internship application