Intern at the Zoo
Hands-on internships for students pursuing careers in zoology and conservation.
Intern Program Overview
The goal of the Zoo’s internship program is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experiences that enhance their education and prepare them for careers in zoology and related fields. Interns contribute to advancing the Zoo’s mission within the community, while gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and professional development. Although the Zoo values the contributions of its interns, the program is designed primarily to support their personal and professional growth.
Program Information
Internships are available in the Animal Care, Education, Conservation, and Horticultural Departments.
- Animal Care: Interns assist in all aspects of basic care: cleaning, feeding, enrichment, observation of the Zoo’s animal collection.
- Education: Interns assist with curriculum design, public events, education programs, guest interaction, administrative tasks, and presentation of ambassador animals.
- Horticultural: Interns assist staff in the Greenhouse, gardens and habitat areas as well as engage in horticulturally based research projects.
- Conservation: Interns assist with the Zoo’s local conservation efforts and research projects under the auspices of the Education Department.
Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old, an enrolled college student or graduate student, full-time or part-time, at an accredited institution.
- Applicants must be able to stand for extended periods of time, sit, kneel, bend, walk, twist, reach above head, stoop, crawl, pull, climb stairs/ladders, run, lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Additional Information:
- Applicants accepted into the program will be given an orientation by the Volunteer Coordinator and further training by staff members.
- Internships are unpaid; however, you may work out credit options with your college.
- The Zoo does not provide housing.
- Internships are also available in Administration, Marketing & Special Events. Contact the Volunteer Office for more information.
If you have any further questions or would like to arrange for an interview, contact the Volunteer Department at (203) 330-6046 or at tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org.
Applying for an Internship
The 2026 summer application period is now open. Click here to download and fill out the application. Applications must be completed and mailed to the Zoo, post marked no later than February 9th. (Applications must include a resume, two letters of reference, one-page essay, and unofficial transcript.)
Please contact Tracy Benham, Volunteer Coordinator at tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org or (203) 330-6046 with any questions.
For the Fall and Spring semester programs, you are required to give one full day a week for a semester. Please contact the volunteer department to arrange for an interview. (For the interview, you will be asked to bring two letters of reference, your resume, a one-page essay, and an unofficial transcript. You will fill out the application at the interview.)
Contact Tracy Benham, Volunteer Coordinator at tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org or (203) 330-6046, at least two months before the semester to begin application process.
Volunteer at the Zoo
If you are interested in learning more about our Adult Volunteer Program and other volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteering page, or contact Tracy Benham, Volunteer Coordinator, at tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org or (203) 330-6046 for more information.