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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Zoo Intern

💰 $ - $

Animal CareInternshipWildlife ConservationZoology

🎯 Role Definition

As a Zoo Intern, you will support daily animal care and exhibit operations while gaining hands-on experience in animal husbandry, enrichment, veterinary support, guest education, and conservation work. This position is designed for motivated candidates seeking practical exposure to zookeeping, wildlife management, and conservation programs. The role emphasizes safety, animal welfare, accurate record keeping, and teamwork across departments to deliver excellent animal care and public-facing conservation education.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Volunteer animal husbandry or docent/interpretation roles at a zoo or wildlife center
  • Wildlife rehabilitation or rescue volunteer experience
  • Academic internships or practicum placements in biology, zoology, or animal science programs

Advancement To:

  • Zookeeper / Animal Care Specialist
  • Senior Zookeeper or Exhibit Supervisor
  • Veterinary Technician (with additional certification)
  • Conservation Program Coordinator or Field Biologist

Lateral Moves:

  • Education & Interpretation Specialist
  • Facilities & Exhibit Maintenance Technician
  • Animal Health Technician / Rehabilitation Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide daily hands-on care for assigned animals including feeding, cleaning, bedding changes, and enclosure sanitation, following species-specific husbandry protocols and nutrition plans.
  • Prepare and measure diets and supplements according to nutritionist and veterinarian instructions, document food consumption, and manage special dietary needs and food safety procedures.
  • Implement and document daily and weekly enrichment programs that stimulate natural behaviors, monitor enrichment effectiveness, and adjust plans based on behavioral observations.
  • Conduct systematic behavioral observations and record quantitative and qualitative data (frequency, duration, context) to support animal welfare assessments and research projects.
  • Assist veterinary staff during routine medical procedures, sample collection (blood, fecal, swabs) and examinations, ensuring animal safety and accurate labeling of specimens.
  • Safely restrain, move, and transfer animals under supervision using proper handling techniques, transport crates, and restraint equipment following established safety protocols.
  • Maintain complete and accurate animal records in digital databases (e.g., ZIMS, MedARKS) and paper logs, including daily notes, feeding logs, enrichment outcomes, and medical observations.
  • Monitor animal health, behavior, and appearance daily; promptly report abnormalities, injuries, or signs of illness to the supervisor and veterinary team.
  • Support quarantine protocols for new or returning animals, including biosecurity measures, cleaning procedures, and health monitoring during isolation periods.
  • Assist with exhibit maintenance and habitat repairs, including basic carpentry, landscaping, water quality checks, and substrate management to maintain safe, species-appropriate environments.
  • Participate in animal training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques to facilitate husbandry and veterinary procedures while documenting training progress and goals.
  • Facilitate guest-facing activities including feeding demonstrations, keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and school group interactions to promote conservation messaging and visitor engagement.
  • Enforce guest safety and animal protection standards by monitoring public behavior around exhibits, responding to safety incidents, and educating visitors about appropriate conduct.
  • Support fieldwork and off-site conservation initiatives such as population monitoring, habitat restoration, translocation assistance, or community outreach events as required.
  • Assist in emergency response procedures for animal escapes, severe weather, or medical emergencies by following protocols, participating in drills, and supporting containment and care efforts.
  • Inventory animal care supplies, enrichment materials, and medical consumables; coordinate ordering and receiving with supervisors to maintain stock levels and budget awareness.
  • Operate and maintain equipment necessary for animal care and facility operations (pressure washers, small tractors/ATVs, electric pumps) following training and safety standards.
  • Participate in necropsy preparation and post-mortem sample handling for pathologists or veterinary staff, ensuring chain-of-custody and biohazard protocols are observed.
  • Support conservation research and monitoring by assisting with data entry, GPS mapping, sample labeling, and literature searches to contribute to institutional studies and publications.
  • Train, supervise, and provide direction to volunteers and new interns during shifts, ensuring they follow husbandry protocols, safety rules, and documentation standards.
  • Prepare and maintain clean, professional animal holding and preparation areas, laundering towels and bedding, disinfecting surfaces, and ensuring compliance with sanitation schedules.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with education, veterinary, horticulture, and facilities teams to plan exhibit improvements, interpretive materials, and animal enrichment installations.
  • Participate in professional development activities including workshops, seminars, and certifications related to animal care, welfare, and conservation best practices.
  • Contribute to social media content, exhibit signage, and interpretive materials by providing accurate animal information, photos, and behind-the-scenes insights to increase public awareness.
  • Maintain strict biosecurity and PPE practices, including proper disinfection, waste disposal, and zoonotic disease prevention measures to protect animal and human health.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with basic administrative tasks including shift logs, scheduling, incident report completion, and volunteer coordination.
  • Support fundraising, special events, and outreach programs by preparing animals and exhibits for public presentations under supervision.
  • Participate in habitat and grounds improvement projects such as native plantings and erosion control that support exhibit realism and ecological health.
  • Help gather and organize historical animal records, photographs, and husbandry notes for institutional archives and accreditation processes.
  • Assist with internal audits for animal welfare, safety compliance, and accreditation readiness by compiling documentation and demonstrating procedures.
  • Contribute to seasonal planning for breeding programs, migrations, or exhibit rotations by assisting staff with logistics and animal movement preparations.
  • Serve as a point of contact for temporary exhibit installations by helping move props, signage, and enrichment items safely and according to schedule.
  • Provide observational data and feedback for exhibit redesigns and animal social groupings to optimize welfare and visitor experience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Animal handling and restraint techniques for a variety of taxa (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians), under direct supervision.
  • Species-specific husbandry knowledge including feeding regimes, temperature/humidity control, and habitat substrate requirements.
  • Enrichment design and assessment: creating, implementing, and documenting behavioral enrichment that promotes species-typical activities.
  • Basic veterinary assistance skills: sample collection, wound care support, medication administration (as trained), and anesthesia monitoring basics.
  • Proficiency with animal records and husbandry databases (e.g., ZIMS, MedARKS) and competency in accurate data entry.
  • Familiarity with sanitation and biosecurity protocols, hazardous waste handling, and PPE usage to maintain safe animal and human environments.
  • Ability to operate facility equipment safely following training (pressure washers, forklifts/ATVs if certified, pumps, basic hand/power tools).
  • Basic carpentry and exhibit maintenance skills to support building, repairing, and modifying animal enclosures and enrichment devices.
  • Practical knowledge of nutrition preparation, measuring diets, and maintaining food safety for animal feeds.
  • Fieldwork skills including GPS use, sample labeling, data collection, and adherence to research protocols for conservation projects.
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills (Excel for log analysis, Word for reports) and willingness to learn institution-specific software.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication skills: clear written daily logs, precise reporting of health concerns, and confident guest-facing interpretation.
  • Teamwork and collaboration across departments with the ability to receive direction and provide constructive feedback.
  • High level of attention to detail and organizational skills for accurate record keeping and schedule adherence.
  • Problem-solving mindset and adaptability to respond quickly in dynamic animal care situations and emergencies.
  • Physical stamina and endurance to perform repetitive, labor-intensive tasks in varying weather conditions.
  • Empathy for animals and commitment to ethical animal welfare and conservation principles.
  • Professionalism, punctuality, and reliability to maintain shift coverage and continuity of care.
  • Customer service orientation for positive visitor interactions and education-focused communication.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance routine husbandry, projects, and training responsibilities.
  • Willingness to learn continuously, accept feedback, and pursue professional development opportunities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrated interest in animal care through volunteer work or coursework.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Zoology
  • Animal Science
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Biology / Ecology
  • Veterinary Technology
  • Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–2 years in formal paid animal care roles; strong preference for candidates with volunteer experience, prior internships, or zoo/shelter experience.

Preferred:

  • Previous hands-on experience in animal husbandry, wildlife rehabilitation, or related internships; familiarity with husbandry databases (ZIMS/MedARKS), enrichment planning, and basic veterinary procedures under supervision. Demonstrated experience in public education, conservation outreach, or research assistance is a plus.
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