Heart of Africa Internship - Summer 2027

Overview

The goal of this internship is to provide a basic understanding of general husbandry of the animals located in the new Africa Region. Interns will gain hands-on experience in the field as they grow in their positions. They will be an important part of the team while assisting in achieving the Zoo’s mission.

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

• Summer Opportunities: Reviewed in April - May

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, assisting full-time keeper staff in preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, learning basic training skills, and performing other duties as assigned. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper assigned by the department.

Qualifications

• Second Year College Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or related program.
• 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred.
• TB test required.
• Prior animal care experience preferred.
• Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
• Subject to BMV 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 apprenticeship. 

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.