Animal Care Internship Asia-Australia - Spring 2026

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo • Tampa, FL

74d • Onsite

About The Position

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside animal species native to Asia and Australia? The Asia-Australia 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 Asia-Australia Department, interns will learn all aspects of animal care and husbandry for ZooTampa's most diverse mammal area including carnivores, hoofstock, mega-vertebrate and macropods. 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.
• 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 and carry up to 50 pounds with or without accommodations.
• Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
• Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25 but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
• All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
• 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.
• Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position. Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.
• Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements.
• This is an unpaid internship.

Nice To Haves

• Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• General husbandry and assisting in the care of assigned animals, including preparation and distribution of approved animal diets.
• Ability to learn the various approved browse plants that are offered the animal collection.
• Close observation of animal behaviors with a particular focus on eating, walking and defecating to monitor health of animals. Notification of Asian area animal care staff of any concerns.
• Perform daily routine according to area's standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Perform educational and animal conservation related public presentations as requested.
• Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals and/or projects.
• Knowledge of Zoo layout and general animal collection to assist guests on a daily basis with exhibit location as needed.
• Adherence to area's standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns and reporting protocols.
• Inspect, clean and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
• Following approved species-specific enrichment protocols.
• Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture or other needs to Asian animal care staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of the emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
• Observe safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of Zoo equipment, materials and chemicals.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees