Zoo Internships

A Como Zoo Animal Care internship will provide hands on learning opportunities for college students interested in pursuing a zoo career. The internship will provide a unique opportunity for students to work side by side with zookeepers to understand the husbandry and management of zoo species.

Under the guidance of zookeepers, interns will acquire practical experience in the areas of animal husbandry, training, enrichment, enclosure maintenance, and animal observation. This will include diet preparation and distribution for animals in their assigned areas, cleaning enclosure/exhibit areas of a variety of species (species will depend on areas you are placed), building/creating enrichment and potentially watching the animal's response to the different stimulus (depending on the animal). Interns placed in Hoofstock, Primates or Marine Animals will also participate and/or observe animal training sessions (depending on the animal).

We are looking for candidates with a passion for animals, who are punctual, detail oriented, comfortable with the physical nature of a role like this, including being around smells and diets for a variety of animals (so no allergies that would hinder working with a variety of foods). A successful candidate should be pursuing degree work in biology or a related field, be able to perform assigned tasks in variable weather conditions, work alone (and self motivated) and in teams and have the physical ability to stand, stoop, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Our internships typically run for a minimum of 10 weeks and a minimum of approximately 20 hours per week during the school year or 25-30 hours per week during the summer (schedules will include weekend and holiday hours). Schedule is determined by the staff in each area. 

General Requirements to be aware of for Zoo placements:

- Receive college credit for the internship  (Currently be in a degree program in zoology, biology or a related field)

– Be able to lift 50 pounds

– Fulfill hourly requirements

– Schedules will include weekend and holiday hours

– A negative TB test and a Hepatitis B vaccination are required to work in the Primate area.

– As a matter of policy and procedure, interns will not be able to touch or hand-feed animals

Please visit our website at www.comozooconservatory.org for the most current list of zoo internship opportunities.

Deadlines for applications:

Summer semester:   March 10th

Fall semester:      August 10th 

Winter Semester:    November 10th