Zoo Internships

Our career internship program is one of the many ways the Philadelphia Zoo demonstrates a commitment to its mission of conservation, education, science and recreation. Through our internships, we provide practical, high-quality experiences that help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Recent college graduates and career changers are encouraged to apply to select internships. Additional opportunities may be available beyond those listed below. Please note that all internships are unpaid.

Position Overview: 

Animal Care:

As an Animal Care Intern you will work side by side with Children's Zoo Keepers providing routine husbandry for animals in the Zoo's teaching and exhibit collections which include parrots, raptors, hedgehogs, porcupines, coendus, rabbits, cows, chickens, micro pigs, ferrets, ducks, reptiles and more! Specific responsibilities include preparing and distributing food, maintaining exhibits/enclosures, keeping animal health and behavior records, administering medication (as directed) and assisting with animal capture, crating and transfer, animal enrichment and animal training. Available year-round.

Development:

Support the Development Department of America's First Zoo by contributing to the management of upper level membership programs: Friends of the Philadelphia Zoo and ADOPT. Interns will develop and enhance their communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills as well as learn how to work within a large, reputable, non-profit institution. Available year-round.

Events:

This position plays an integral role in assisting with the coordination and implementation of events at the Philadelphia Zoo. We are looking for a hard-working intern that desires hands-on experience in event planning. The applicant must be dependable, detail-oriented and high-energy. The desired background experience includes at least a junior level college education, interest or involvement in any of the following areas: event planning, public relations, customer/guest service or marketing. Summer only.

Environmental Education and Animal Behavior: 

This internship is designed to give college students practical experience in animal observation, education, conservation, and animal presentation. This program also includes the opportunity to gain a broad insight to the Zoo community and how it operates. You will immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Zoo everyday while providing an educational experience to our guests. Available year-round.

First Aid:

Duties will consist of serving as a first responder to medical situations. Interns will be responsible for handling first aid issues of all types and responsibly completing the required reports. Summer only.

Guest Relations:

This survey of Guest Relations will allow students to become familiar with all aspects of the Zoo atmosphere, including front line exposure in admissions, rides and attractions, hospitality, project management, operations and events. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Zoo everyday while helping to provide an exceptional experience to our guests. Summer only.

Marketing & Public Relations:

Public Relations duties include: Assisting with the preparation and distribution of press releases, responding to media inquiries and requests, maintaining the press clip library and statistics, working on seasonal publications and other duties as assigned. Marketing duties include: Assisting with the planning and execution of major marketing events, working with marketing and sales initiatives, and other duties as assigned. Available year-round.

Public Programming:

Interns assist in the development and running of Educational Public Program events including Festivals, Main Path Activities and Special Family Programming. Duties include developing educational activities, assisting in the coordination of external performers/presenters, and assisting in the coordination of event logistics. Available year-round.

Public Safety:

Eligible interns will receive practical training on the inner workings of a functioning public safety department in a historic venue. No duties will include actual physical intervention in situations. Available year-round.

Social Media:

Are you a student with a strong understanding of online communications? Can you build a Facebook and/or YouTube landing page, make updates to a site using a Content Management System and html and possess a basic understanding of Google Analytics? If the answers to the above are yes, we have a great opportunity for you!

To Apply: 

To apply, please submit an intern application, letter of interest stating which internship(s) you are applying for and why, a detailed resume, a letter of recommendation and a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable). Please compile all the required documents and submit them as a complete packet to:

Philadelphia Zoo
Human Resources Department, Internships
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196

**ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED**

All interns are required to complete a PA Child Abuse Clearance and PA State Criminal Background Check prior to beginning work at the Philadelphia Zoo. Interns whose permanent residence is outside Pennsylvania may also need to complete an FBI clearance including fingerprinting.