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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.

Dallas Zoo

Animal Operations Internship- Fall 2026

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Animal Operations Internship - Fall 2026 The Dallas Zoo offers an exciting 12-week Animal Operations Internship for students or recent graduates interested in zookeeping or animal behavior. Interns ...

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 · On-site

$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.
Mammal Department Zookeeper - Primates

Mammal Department Zookeeper - Primates

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Mammal Department Zookeeper - Primates General Description
The Mammal Department Zookeeper - Primates provides care, feeding, enrichment and training for primates to ensure their well-being and contributes to outstanding guest experiences by ensuring that primates exhibits are properly maintained.
The Mammal Department Zookeeper - Primates will support, both publicly and privately, the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society. The Mammal Department Zookeeper - Primates will maintain a professional manner when dealing with all constituencies and always preserve a high level of confidentiality.
This job description is by no means all inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide daily care, including but not limited to, feeding, enrichment, and operant conditioning training for mammals
  • Clean animal enclosures and other exhibit areas
  • Perform routine exhibit maintenance, including mowing, trimming, and other routine maintenance activities
  • Observe and document physical condition and behavior of animals
  • Inspect facilities to ensure safety and security
  • Capture and restrain animals as needed
  • Monitor animal social conditions and situations
  • Develop and submit enrichment practices to Coordinator of Enrichment and Research
  • Design, construct, and provide enrichment devices to animals
  • Coordinate animal health and other medical procedures with veterinary staff
  • Provide medical treatments as prescribed by the veterinarians
  • Perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs to equipment and facilities
  • Communicate needs for maintenance department work requests to supervisor
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations
  • Maintain records, inventories and other information and provide written and verbal reports as required
  • Train new staff as required
  • Train and supervise interns
  • Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
  • Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a closely related discipline and two years’ experience in the care and management of mammals
OR: An associate degree in a related discipline and four years experiences in the care of captive wildlife, two of which include the care and management of mammals.
Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Evening work will be required as necessary.
Physical Requirements
This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods, the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds and the use of standard office equipment and the computer.
The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

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