Animal Care Internship Africa - Spring 2026

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo • Tampa, FL

67d • Onsite

About The Position

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is currently seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals interested in learning about the Animal Care field. The Africa Internship at ZooTampa is designed for college students or recent college graduates who are interested in a career in large mammal management and operant conditioning based animal training. Our interns work side-by-side with experienced animal care staff every day in order to create enrichment, educate zoo guests on conservation efforts & observe husbandry training for African Animals. Interns will have the ability to work around & care for a variety of species in the Africa Department; including White Rhinos, African Elephants, Okapi, Bongo, Red River Hog, Giraffe, Pygmy Hippo plus other Hoofstock & Avian species. 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 18 years of age.
• Must be able to commit to a 14 week internship.
• Must be able to commit to a schedule of 3 or 4, 10-hour shifts (30-40 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.
• Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate, sometimes temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
• Must be willing to work varied and long shifts, including holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry 50 pounds with or without accommodations.
• Must be able to work in various physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, walking, and driving.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in diet preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, cleaning, record keeping, and other area responsibilities.
• Assist animal care staff in implementing enrichment for various species.
• Participate in trainer lecture series given by the animal care staff.
• Participate in behavioral observations and data collection/entry (as required).
• Develop fundamental understanding of operant conditioning.
• Assist animal care staff in training sessions

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.

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