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.

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 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.
• 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

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