Australia and the Islands Internship - Summer 2027

Overview

This internship provides hands-on learning opportunities in animal husbandry for species in the Australia and Islands region, as well as avian species in the Congo Expedition region. Under the guidance of experienced keepers, interns will develop foundational skills in animal care, enrichment, behavioral observation, and exhibit management while gaining insight into the daily responsibilities of a professional Zookeeper.

Application Review Periods: Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on the following schedule:

• Spring Opportunities: Reviewed in December - January
• Summer Opportunities: Reviewed in March - April
• Fall Opportunities: Reviewed in July - August
• Winter Opportunities: Reviewed in October - November

Responsibilities

Interns will assist full-time keepers with various tasks, including but not limited to:

• Preparing animal diets
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits
• Observing animals and reporting behavioral changes, including responses to environmental modifications
• Preparing animal enrichment items and observing how enrichment supports animal behavior, welfare, and engagement
• Answering guest questions about the animals and their habitats
• Maintaining area grounds and buildings
• Performing other duties as assigned

Interns will also be required to complete quizzes, training sessions, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.

Qualifications

• Second-year college student or recent graduate (within the last 2 years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
• TB test required.
• Prior animal care experience preferred.
• Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Neat appearance and courteous behavior at all times.
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays (e.g., July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day).
• Subject to BMV check.
• Subject to Criminal Background check.

Hours:

• Minimum of 20 hours per week for 12-16 weeks to support completion of training, projects, and learning objectives.

RISE Scholarship Opportunity Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements. 

If you are awarded a RISE Scholarship, the scholarship fund will be dispersed during the timeframe of your internship.

Scholarship application windows: 

• Winter: October 1 - November 30 
• Spring: December 1 - January 31 
• Summer: February 1 - March 31 
• Fall: May 1 - June 30 

To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

This is an unpaid internship offered for educational purposes. The internship is intended to provide practical learning experience and does not guarantee future employment with the Columbus Zoo Conservation Parks. The intern is not entitled to wages or benefits, and completion of the internship does not create an expectation of a paid position.