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Internship Zoo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

houstonzoo

Zookeeper III, Elephants

Houston, TX · On-site

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 · On-site

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 Aug 12, 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?

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 skills and qualifications are needed for an internship zoo?

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 does an internship zoo do?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 63% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Congo Expedition Internship (2026)

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH • On-site

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
This internship provides an opportunity to learn about the general husbandry and care of animals within the Congo Expedition region. Interns will actively assist with daily operations and gain hands-on experience while observing the day-to-day responsibilities of a Zookeeper.
Responsibilities
Interns will work alongside full-time keeper staff and may assist with:
  • Preparing animal diets
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
  • Observing animals and reporting behavioral changes
  • Designing and delivering educational interpretation to guests on animal behavior, habitats, and conservation
  • Maintaining area grounds and buildings
  • Adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols
  • Interacting with guests and providing excellent guest service
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Interns will also complete structured learning components, including quizzes, required trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the internship, participants will:
  • Understand the fundamentals of husbandry for species within the Congo Expedition region
  • Gain practical experience in daily care routines for a diverse collection of animals
  • Learn animal behavior observation and reporting techniques
  • Develop knowledge of safety procedures and professional standards in animal care
  • Strengthen communication, interpretation, and teamwork skills in a zoological setting

Benefits of This Internship
  • Hands-on experience working within a professional zoo setting
  • Exposure to careers in animal care, conservation, and wildlife management
  • Opportunities to collaborate with experienced animal care professionals
  • Development of practical skills to support future employment or advanced academic pursuits

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 upon starting
  • Prior animal care experience preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to balance multiple assignments
  • Professional appearance and courteous behavior
  • Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with Zoo staff and contacts
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures, including all safety protocols
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day)
  • Subject to BMV check
  • Subject to criminal background check

Physical & Environmental Requirements
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical work
  • Ability to lift, bend, walk, and stand for extended periods
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow

Hours
Minimum of 20 hours per week for 12-16 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