Internship 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 high school seniors or 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:
Zoo keeping interns will work 20 to 40 hours per week; weekend,
holiday or irregular hours may be required.
Internships last six to twelve weeks. Duration of the
internship is flexible to meet the student's school requirements.
Compensation:
Internships at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo are unpaid positions.
There is no housing or stipend offered by the zoo. Interns will work as volunteers for the duration of their internship.
Credit:
The zoo staff is happy to provide necessary documentation for the
student’s college credit.
To Apply:
Click here to complete an application online. If you have
questions, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 260-427-6828 or
volunteer@kidszoo.org
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