Zoo Internships
A zoo internship is the single most effective way to launch a career working with wildlife. Most zookeepers, zoo veterinarians and vet techs, and zoo educators got their start exactly this way, spending a few months behind the scenes at a zoo, building the hands-on experience that no degree alone can replace.
We list internship openings from zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation organizations, and animal parks across the country and beyond.
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Types of Zoo Internships
Zoos hire interns across nearly every department. The type you choose should match where you want your career to go:
- Animal care internships: Work alongside zookeepers on feeding, enclosure maintenance, behavioral observation, enrichment, and animal health monitoring. This is the most direct path to becoming a zookeeper.
- Veterinary internships: Assist the veterinary team with exams, lab work, medication administration, and animal records. These internships are ideal if you're pursuing a career as a zoo veterinarian or veterinary technician.
- Conservation and research internships: Contribute to breeding programs, field research, population monitoring, or community conservation initiatives. A strong fit if you're aiming for graduate school or a career in wildlife conservation.
- Education and outreach internships: Help deliver school programs, guided tours, summer camps, and public presentations about wildlife and conservation. A great starting point if you want to become a zoo educator or work in science communication.
- Wildlife rehabilitation internships: Support the intake, care, and release of injured or orphaned native wildlife. Not all zoos offer these, but facilities with rehab programs provide invaluable clinical experience.
- HR internships: Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and volunteer coordination. Zoos manage large teams, so HR interns get hands-on experience with hiring cycles, compliance, and staff engagement in a mission-driven environment.
- Business operations internships: Support teams in marketing, finance, accounting, event planning, or guest services. Every zoo runs on a business side that keeps the gates open, and these internships are a great fit if you want to combine a passion for wildlife with a career in nonprofit or attraction management.
Where Internships Lead
The zoo industry is small and relationship-driven. Internships don't just build skills. They put you in front of the people who make hiring decisions. Many zoos prefer to hire from their own intern pool because those candidates already know the animals, protocols, and team culture.
An animal care internship is the most common stepping stone to a full-time zookeeper position. Veterinary internships build the clinical hours and references you need to pursue zoo veterinary roles or veterinary school. And education internships can open the door to a career as a zoo educator or program coordinator.
Whichever path you're considering, an internship is almost always the right first move.
Browse our current listings below, or use the search to find positions in your area. New opportunities are added regularly, so check back often or join our newsletter to get notified of new postings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoo Internships
What qualifications do I need for a zoo internship?
Most zoo internships require you to be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor's program in zoology, animal science, biology, wildlife management, education, or a related field. Some programs accept high school graduates or gap-year students. Prior volunteer experience at a zoo, wildlife center, or animal shelter strengthens your application, but it's not always required. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine interest in animal welfare go a long way.
Are zoo internships paid?
Some are, but many are not. Larger zoos are increasingly offering paid internships or stipends, and some provide housing assistance. Smaller facilities may offer only academic credit. Each listing on our board includes compensation details so you know what to expect before you apply.
How long do zoo internships typically last?
Between 3 and 6 months is standard. Most are structured around academic semesters (spring, summer, or fall) and require a full-time commitment of 35 to 40 hours per week. Part-time and year-round options exist at some facilities but are less common.
Can a zoo internship lead to a full-time job?
Yes. Internships are the most common entry point to full-time work in the zoo field. Zoos prefer hiring people who already know their animals, protocols, and team culture. Many working zookeepers, veterinarians, and educators started as interns at the same institution that later hired them. Treat your internship like a long job interview.
Do I need experience with dangerous animals for a zoo internship?
No. Interns typically work under close supervision and are not placed in direct contact with dangerous animals. You'll learn safety protocols, protected contact procedures, and institutional guidelines as part of the internship. Prior experience with domestic or farm animals is helpful but not required for most programs.
When should I apply for zoo internships?
As early as possible. Summer internships are the most competitive and usually have deadlines between January and March. Fall and spring positions typically close 2 to 4 months before the start date. Top programs at well-known zoos receive hundreds of applications per cycle, so don't wait until the last minute.
What's the difference between a zoo internship and volunteering?
Internships are structured programs with defined learning objectives, dedicated mentorship, and a set schedule, typically 35 to 40 hours per week over several months. Volunteering is more flexible and less intensive. Both build experience, but internships carry significantly more weight on a resume and are far more likely to lead directly to job offers.
Which zoo internship should I choose?
That depends on your career goals. If you want to work directly with animals day to day, look for an animal care or keeper internship. These lead to zookeeper roles. If you're interested in veterinary medicine, a vet internship will give you the clinical hours and references you need. If you love teaching and public engagement, an education internship is the best fit. Not sure yet? Many interns say the experience itself helped them figure out which direction to go.
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