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Internship Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The CALDWELL ZOO

Veterinary Medicine Internship

Tyler, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Caldwell Zoo Veterinary Department is seeking a highly motivated, hard-working, professional ... Any time off requested during the internship (excluding illness or emergency) must be discussed in ...

The CALDWELL ZOO

Animal Husbandry Internship

Tyler, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Fall 2026 paid internships are available at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas in the areas of Animal Husbandry. (Available departments: Mammals 1, Mammals 2, Birds, and Reptiles) The Caldwell Zoo is ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II Elephant

Houston, TX · On-site

One year of experience in animal care in a zoo setting or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian is required, which may be gained through internships, volunteer experience, or employment.

City of Bloomington, IL

Zookeeper

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Chair or sit as a member of various zoo committees as assigned. * Participate in the development and performance of keeper training classes for interns and staff. Train and mentor Seasonal Zookeepers ...

City of Bloomington Illinois

Zookeeper

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$50K/yr

Chair or sit as a member of various zoo committees as assigned. Participate in the development and performance of keeper training classes for interns and staff. Train and mentor Seasonal Zookeepers ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX

Assumes select supervisory duties in the absence of Zoo Supervisors. * Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff. * Demonstrates a clear understanding of ...

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX

Assumes select supervisory duties in the absence of Zoo Supervisors. * Serves as a positive role model for interns, volunteers, and other keepers and staff. * Demonstrates a clear understanding of ...

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How much do internship zoo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship zoo in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Internship Zoo job?

An Internship Zoo job is a temporary position at a zoo where interns gain hands-on experience working with animals, assisting zookeepers, and learning about animal care, conservation, and zoo operations. Responsibilities may include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, and educating visitors. These internships provide valuable experience for those pursuing careers in zoology, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Internship Zoo position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Intern, you should have a strong interest in animal care, basic knowledge of biology or zoology, and be pursuing or have completed relevant coursework in animal sciences or related fields. Experience with animal husbandry tools, safety equipment, and familiarity with record-keeping systems or animal management software is often beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills for this position. These skills are essential to ensure both the welfare of the animals and effective collaboration with zookeepers and other staff members in a fast-paced environment.

What kind of responsibilities and daily tasks can I expect as a Zoo Intern?

As a Zoo Intern, your typical responsibilities may include assisting with animal feeding, cleaning enclosures, preparing enrichment activities, and helping staff observe animal behavior and health. You may also support educational programs, answer guest questions, and perform basic administrative tasks related to animal care. Interns often rotate through different sections of the zoo to gain a broad understanding of zoo operations and animal management. This hands-on experience not only helps develop critical animal care skills but also offers opportunities to interact closely with experienced professionals, preparing you for future roles in animal care or wildlife management.

More about Internship Zoo jobs
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Internship Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Zoo job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Elephant Internship (2026)

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview
This internship offers an opportunity to learn about the general husbandry and care of animals within the Elephant area. Interns will actively assist with daily operations and gain exposure to professional zoo practices.
Responsibilities
Interns will work alongside full-time keeper staff and may assist with:
  • Preparing animal diets
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
  • Observing animal behavior and documenting findings
  • Learning basic training concepts through observation
  • Maintaining area grounds and buildings
  • Adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols
  • Interacting with guests and supporting educational programs
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Interns will also complete structured learning components, including quizzes, projects, and a final reflection paper.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, participants will:
  • Understand the fundamentals of elephant husbandry and zoo operations
  • Gain experience in daily care routines for large mammals
  • Learn about animal behavior observation and documentation techniques
  • Develop knowledge of safety protocols and professional standards in animal care
  • Enhance communication and teamwork skills in a zoological setting

Benefits of This Internship
  • Hands-on experience in a professional zoo environment
  • Exposure to career paths in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management
  • Networking opportunities with experienced animal care professionals
  • Development of practical skills that support future employment or advanced studies

Qualifications
  • Second-year college student or recent graduate (within 2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field
  • 3.0 GPA or higher preferred
  • TB test required
  • Prior animal care experience preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments
  • Professional appearance and courteous behavior
  • Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)
  • Subject to BMV and criminal background checks

Physical & Environmental Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow)
  • Ability to walk, bend, and stand for extended periods

Hours: Minimum of 20 hours a week for 12 to 16 weeks
The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds-applications are open May 1- June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

Apply