Animal Care Internship Ambassador Program -Spring 2026

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo•Tampa, FL

65d•Onsite

About The Position

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside a variety of species? The Animal Ambassador Team Internship at ZooTampa offers hands-on experience in animal care, behavioral training, and real-time conservation education. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with professional animal care staff, gaining behind-the-scenes insight while building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management. From collecting behavioral data to creating enrichment and engaging with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. If you're passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you! While working in the Animal Ambassador Program Internship, Interns will focus on developing their skills in the care and husbandry of a mixed species collection in the Animal Ambassador department. Species include domesticated livestock, small and medium-sized exotic mammals, parrots, birds of prey, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles. Interns will also assist with animal shows behind the scenes and with some public interactions. This internship will focus on teaching positive reinforcement operant conditioning training techniques as it pertains to animal interactions as well as medical and husbandry procedures. In addition, they will learn about animal presentations and interpretation and the importance of delivering a strong conservation message. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.
Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.
Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
Must be able to multi-task.
Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be able to commit to a 14 week internship.
Must be able to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week, with 40 hours per week preferred.
The schedule is 3 or 4, ten-hour days (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with one weekend day of availability required.
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
Must have physical endurance for long, high volume days and be able to stand/walk for long periods of time.
Must be able to lift, push, pull or and carry 50 pounds or more with or without accommodations.
Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25, but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
Contingent upon receipt of documentation of negative TB test within the last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years.
Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers' compensation program).
Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume in order to be considered for a position.
Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.

Responsibilities

Gain knowledge of working around a variety of animal species.
Observe and assist with our bird of prey shows behind the scenes, daily macaw fly-overs and animal mingles.
Develop knowledge of animal behavior and training.
Develop public speaking/presentation skills and learn how to deliver a strong conservation message while keeping an audience engaged and entertained.
Provide daily care and feeding of animals in the collection.
Maintain animal habitats and holding areas.
Perform record keeping, behavioral observations and animal enrichments.
Have the support and assistance of the department in achieving personal goals.
Learn the importance of positive guest relations and educating the public.
Represent Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo through exemplary customer service and behavior.

Benefits

Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants.
Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume