Animal Care Internship Orangutan & Monkey -Spring 2026

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo•Tampa, FL

68d

About The Position

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside various species of Primates and more? The Orangutan & Monkey Team Internship at ZooTampa offers hands-on experience in Primate 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! Interns focus on the care and husbandry of various primate species while learning about the complexities of primate social structure, behavior and ecology. Interns participate in animal observations, enrichment sessions, medical procedures as well as observe training sessions. Through a series of lectures, interns will develop an understanding on how to train using operant and classical conditioning. 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.
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 40 hours per week.
The schedule is 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 of sometimes 90 degrees , rain or cold).
Must have physical endurance for long, high volume days and be able to stand/walk for long periods of time (including some holidays and weekends).
Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry 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.
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.
Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements.

Nice To Haves

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.
Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.

Responsibilities

Daily care and feeding of animals in collection.
Maintenance of animal exhibits.
Behavioral observations and record keeping.
Complete individual projects as well as periodically test your knowledge gained during the experience.
Animal enrichment and public interaction.
Learn the importance of positive guest relations and educating the public.
Learn about the principles of positive reinforcement, classical conditioning and shaping to train these animals.
Represent ZooTampa 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.
Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.

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