Job Description

Zoo Keeping Internship

Description:
The purpose of the zoo keeping internship is to introduce students to the daily care of exotic animals.

Duties:

• Daily care and maintenance of animals in the area to which you are assigned; including feeding, cleaning, and all other duties necessary to maintain animal health.
• General maintenance of zoo grounds, which may include exhibit maintenance, weeding, mowing, trash cleanup, restroom maintenance, and other duties necessary to maintain cleanliness and safety within the zoo.
• Interact with zoo visitors as needed to answer their questions.
• Collect data through animal observation and interpret data as needed.
• Learn about the zoo’s animals through books, magazines, journals, discussions with keepers, and personal observation.

Requirements:

• Minimally, applicants must be college students with an interest in wildlife.
• Applicants must have the ability to work with minimal supervision but be able to work well with others on the animal care crew.
• Applicants should be willing to learn, eager to create and complete projects and have a respect for wild animals. It is preferred that the student have some previous animal experience.
• Applicant must possess ability to participate in physically demanding work, including the ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Applicants must able to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays.
• Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
• A negative tuberculin test is required if working with primates; testing is provided by the zoo. A current tetanus vaccination is recommended for all interns.

Availability:
Internships are available all year. Internships will last a minimum of 4-6 weeks, depending on the student’s requirements for school.

Compensation:
There is no housing or stipend offered by the zoo. Interns will work as volunteers for the duration of the internship.

Credit:
The Zoo Staff is happy to provide necessary documentation for the student’s college credit.

To Apply:
See your school placement office or click here to download an application*.  Alternatively, you can contact the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Education Department at 260-427-6808.

6/05

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