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Internship Zookeeper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Wildlife Connections

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and ... internships. * Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills. * Must have or be able to ...

John Ball Zoo

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

SENIOR ZOOKEEPER The Area 2 Senior Zookeeper performs general daily animal care functions including ... and interns in the development of job skills related to daily animal care, and, under manager ...

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Internship Zookeeper information

What is an Internship Zookeeper job?

An Internship Zookeeper job is a temporary position designed to provide hands-on experience in animal care and zoo operations. Interns typically assist with feeding, habitat maintenance, enrichment activities, and observing animal behavior under the supervision of experienced zookeepers. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates pursuing careers in zoology, wildlife conservation, or animal sciences. Interns may also engage in public education and conservation programs. It is a valuable opportunity to gain practical skills and industry knowledge while contributing to animal welfare.

What kinds of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as an Internship Zookeeper?

As an Internship Zookeeper, your daily responsibilities typically include preparing food, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal behavior, and assisting with enrichment activities to support animal welfare. You may also help with educational programs, interact with zoo visitors under supervision, and assist professional zookeepers during veterinary procedures or habitat maintenance. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the daily operations of a zoo and offers opportunities to develop practical animal care skills. The variety of tasks exposes you to multiple species and aspects of animal husbandry, helping you explore potential career paths within zoology.

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

To thrive as an Internship Zookeeper, you generally need a passion for animal care, a basic understanding of biology or zoology, and some formal education or enrollment in a relevant program. Familiarity with animal feeding protocols, safety equipment, and record-keeping systems is often required, and a first aid or animal handling certification can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn new skills help candidates stand out. These abilities ensure the intern can support daily animal care routines safely, work effectively with staff, and contribute to the zoo's mission.

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Internship Zookeeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Zookeeper job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Zookeeper II Elephant

Zookeeper II Elephant

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Houston Zoo rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual with good problem solving written/oral communication, and organizational/interpersonal skills. This candidate will have solid knowledge in operant conditioning, implementation of animal training and enrichment programs, as well as being comfortable with public speaking.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports.
  • Prepares and feeds appropriate diets, noting conformance of foods provided to diets prescribed for each animal.
  • Administers prescribed medications and dietary supplements and monitor food and medicine consumption.
  • Checks on integrity of enclosures and structures, ensuring safety and welfare of animals, Zoo visitors, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
  • Maintains live plants within enclosures ensuring neat, attractive exhibits.
  • Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance as necessary.
  • Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas.
  • Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.
  • Trains selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment and/or public demonstrations.
  • Installs exhibit furnishings, props, and decorations safely, attractively and in a manner consistent with Zoo guidelines.

Education and Experience
  • 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.
  • Extensive domestic animal experience may qualify for substitution for exotic animal management experience.
  • Specific training and work experience in other settings, such as aquaculture, schools, nature centers, agricultural operations, or conservation centers may be considered on a case-by-case basis as fulfillment for the experience requirements.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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