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Zoo Keeper Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Binder Park Zoo

Animal Care Intern (Fall)

Battle Creek, MI

$13.50 - $18/hr

ANIMAL CARE INTERN Mission Statement: Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature ... keeping, and interacting with zoo guests. The Animal Care Internship is an unpaid position that ...

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Zoo Keeper Intern information

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How much do zoo keeper intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for zoo keeper intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zoo Keeper Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Keeper Intern, you generally need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with a strong interest in animal care. Familiarity with animal husbandry tools, safety protocols, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and attention to detail help interns excel in both daily animal care and communication with staff and visitors. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure animal welfare, maintain safety, and support the educational mission of a zoo.

What is the difference between Zoo Keeper Intern vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo Keeper InternZoo Keeper
CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college coursework, some zoos may require related courseworkHigh school diploma; often a degree or certification in zoology, animal science, or related field
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, temporary position in zoo settingsFull-time, hands-on role with animal care responsibilities
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with animal feeding, cleaning, and habitat maintenance under supervisionFeeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring animals independently

The main difference between a Zoo Keeper Intern and a Zoo Keeper is experience and responsibility level. Interns typically assist with basic tasks under supervision, while Zoo Keepers perform more independent, hands-on animal care. Internships serve as training opportunities, whereas Zoo Keeper roles are full-time positions requiring more credentials and experience.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect to gain as a Zoo Keeper Intern?

As a Zoo Keeper Intern, you will have the opportunity to assist with daily animal care routines such as feeding, cleaning habitats, and monitoring animal behaviors. You'll also support enrichment activities designed to stimulate the animals and may participate in preparing educational materials for visitors. Working closely with experienced keepers, you'll learn about animal nutrition, health monitoring, and proper handling techniques. This role often involves teamwork and communication with veterinary staff, educators, and other interns, offering a well-rounded introduction to zoo operations.

What are Zoo Keeper Interns?

Zoo Keeper Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who gain hands-on experience working in a zoo under the supervision of professional zookeepers. Their responsibilities typically include preparing animal diets, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, and assisting with enrichment activities. Interns learn about animal care, conservation, and zoo operations, which helps prepare them for future careers in animal science or related fields. These internships are usually temporary and can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the zoo.
What cities are hiring for Zoo Keeper Intern jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Keeper Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo Keeper jobs? The most popular types of Zoo Keeper jobs are:
What states have the most Zoo Keeper Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Keeper Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Keeper Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Keeper Intern jobs are:
Zoo Keeper Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Keeper Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Intern - Animal Keeper

Intern - Animal Keeper

City of Manhattan Kansas

Manhattan, KS • On-site

$12/hr

Internship

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

(Seasonal, Non-Exempt)
Starting Wage: $12.00/hour, and College Course Credit
Closing Date: Open until filled; may close at any time
Shift/Workdays and Hours: Variable
Must be 18 years or older
How to Apply: Using the "apply" button on this page, please complete the required online application. For general questions about the position, contact Parks and Recreation at 785-587-2757.
Job Summary
The Animal Keeper Intern will be responsible for assisting Animal Keepers with routine husbandry tasks to provide day-to-day care of a wide variety of multi-class and multi-genera animals. Cleans and maintains animal, service, and public areas of the park. May interact with the public by giving public talks and answering questions.
Job Duties
  • Assists with general labor duties related to the care of multi-class and multi-genera animals, including diet preparation, animal feeding, cleaning exhibits, maintaining service and public areas.
  • Lifts hay bales, grain sacks and other equipment as needed.
  • Performs ground maintenance in animal areas and around the zoo.
  • Uses and wears applicable personal protective equipment required in hazardous environments and emergency situations.
  • Operates a variety of tools and equipment including weed eater, saws, basic hand tools and basic power tools.
  • Operates a vehicle, such as dump trucks and motorized carts as needed.
  • Maintains records, maintenance logs, and activity records via the use of mobile and stationary electronic devices such as computers, tablets, etc.
  • Communicates orally and in writing, including using the telephone and two-way radio.
  • Represents the City of Manhattan professionally and courteously with the public and other City employees.
  • Assists supervisors and other departmental personnel in other projects for the benefit of the City and/or department.
  • Comprehends and learns standardized work procedures and practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills & Additional Qualifications
  • High School diploma, GED or equivalent.
  • Selected candidate(s) may be required to pass a TB test.
  • Valid Driver's license.
  • Must be 18 years or older.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills
  • Six (6) months experience in domestic or exotic animal care.
  • One (1) year of college education, or fifteen (15) hours of college credit in an animal/wildlife, environmental/conservation, natural resources, education, psychology, or sociology related courses. - Some training may be provided.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (Can be provided through Parks & Recreation).

Other Information
  • This is not a KPERS covered position.
  • Shift, Workdays, and Hours Varies

The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and believe the best workplaces bring together employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to achieve common goals. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any basis protected by law.

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