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Zoo Keeper Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Related experience includes experience either as an intern or paid employee of a pet store, animal breeding facility (horse, dogs, etc), zoo, or aquarium resulting in direct knowledge of Animal ...

Animal Keeper Assistant

Valdosta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Related experience includes experience either as an intern or paid employee of a pet store, animal breeding facility (horse, dogs, etc), zoo, or aquarium resulting in direct knowledge of Animal ...

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Zoo Keeper Intern information

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$8

$17

$24

How much do zoo keeper intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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?

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 is a zoo keeper intern?

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:

Infographic showing various Zoo Keeper Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Animal Keeper Assistant

HFE Valdosta LLC

Valdosta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direction by Senior Biologist, Zoological Supervisor, or Zoological Curator the assistant responsibilities will include basic animal husbandry on a daily basis. This will include feeding and cleaning of exhibits and holding to established standards. Assistants will also be responsible for public interactions and educational presentations:

  • ability to feed animals following set diet guidelines
  • clean assigned animal holding to established standards
  • public speaking
  • with direction and training from Senior Biologist, Zoological Supervisor or Zoological Curator, the ability to handle education animals
  • ability to lift 50 pounds
  • ability to follow and understand instructions
  • be able to keep a daily written record of animals and events

BEYOND PAYDAY PERKS:

  • FREE Season Admission to Wild Adventures For You and One Guest
  • Complimentary Tickets To Give To Others
  • Exclusive Team Member Events
  • Park Wide Discounts
  • Internal Promotions / Career Development Opportunities
  • Team Member Recognition and Prizes
  • Wholesome, family-oriented work environment

BENEFITS: Health Benefits and 401K offered after the waiting period

Required Skills

Competency Statements

  • Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Analytical Skills - The Ability to be given direction, understand the direction, and achieve positive results by analyzing the situation, the materials given, and the tasks to be done.
  • Communication Skills - Ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken or written words.
  • Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the guests'' needs while following company procedures.
  • Detail-Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the small things. Like wiping down the stainless steel trash cans in the restrooms or removing spots from the mirrors.
  • Self-motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one's ability using his or her own drive or initiative and not requiring constant supervision to achieve positive results.
  • Applied Learning - Ability to participate in needed learning activities in a way that makes the most of the learning experience.
  • Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
  • Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
  • Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one's conduct.
  • Self-motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one's ability using his or her own drive or initiative.
  • Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with customers and co-workers.

EXPERIENCE: Related experience includes experience either as an intern or paid employee of a pet store, animal breeding facility (horse, dogs, etc), zoo, or aquarium resulting in direct knowledge of Animal Husbandry basics and guidelines.

EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in High School, High School Graduate, or GED preferred

COMPUTER SKILLS: Competency in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office Word and Excel

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English
  • Must be available to work days, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Must have reliable transportation

Wild Adventures Theme Park is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. Wild Adventures Theme Park drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSN (Not Applicable)Activity is not applicable to this position.O (Occasionally)Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)F (Frequently)Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)C (Constantly)Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)StandCLift/CarryWalkC 10 lbs or lessCSitO 11-20 lbsCManually ManipulateC 21-50 lbsFGraspC 51-100 lbsOReach OutwardF Over 100 lbsOReach Above ShoulderFSpeakOPush/PullClimbO 12 lbs or lessCCrawlO 13-25 lbsCSquat or KneelF 26-40 lbsFBendF 41-100 lbsOOther Physical Requirements Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth) Sense of Sound - ability to hear with both ears Sense of Smell Sense of Taste Sense of Touch