Animal Wellbeing Internship (Seasonal, Paid + Housing Provided)

Memphis Zoo • Memphis, TN

8d

About The Position

Memphis Zoo’s Department of Conservation & Research is offering an internship position with our Animal Wellbeing Team. This position is available for upper-level undergraduate students and students 1-2 year post-college. This internship offers a unique research experience in a zoo setting working with scientists conducting cutting edge and frontline projects to save wildlife and will provide valuable training in animal behavior and wellbeing, laboratory techniques, experimental design, and data analysis for many professional careers in general biology, conservation, ecology, and veterinary sciences.

Essential Dates:

This is a 12-week internship.
Completed applications are due May 1, 2026.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the submission
window may be closed earlier if a candidate is found before that date.
Anticipated start date for position is June 1, 2026.

Project Objectives:

Evaluate and implement different projects across a variety of species, with a focus on reptiles: Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, and the Louisiana pinesnake.
Investigate how elevated feedings impact pull strength and activity levels in Komodo dragons and giant tortoises (project funded by the AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grant Fund).
Investigate what impact outdoor enclosures have on Memphis Zoo’s captive breeding population of Louisiana pinesnakes.
Observations of behavioral and habitat use of gorillas, tigers, wolves, and flamingos.
Assist with a variety of other ongoing projects including enrichment builds and evaluations, potentially some animal training.
Develop foundational research skills, including conducting literature reviews, managing and analyzing data, maintaining a laboratory notebook, as well as how to trouble-shoot and cope with the problems that come up while conducting research.

Requirements

• Must be an upper-level undergraduate student OR a 1-2 years post college student.
• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, ecology, animal behavior, or related fields.
• Prior research experience in the biological sciences.
• Strong interest in pursuing graduate school or careers in ecology, physiology, conservation, or related professions.
• CAD or coding skill and experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement different projects across a variety of species, with a focus on reptiles: Komodo dragons, giant tortoises, and the Louisiana pinesnake.
• Investigate how elevated feedings impact pull strength and activity levels in Komodo dragons and giant tortoises (project funded by the AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grant Fund).
• Investigate what impact outdoor enclosures have on Memphis Zoo’s captive breeding population of Louisiana pinesnakes.
• Observations of behavioral and habitat use of gorillas, tigers, wolves, and flamingos.
• Assist with a variety of other ongoing projects including enrichment builds and evaluations, potentially some animal training.
• Develop foundational research skills, including conducting literature reviews, managing and analyzing data, maintaining a laboratory notebook, as well as how to trouble-shoot and cope with the problems that come up while conducting research.

Benefits

• The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers [https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers] page for details.
• Paid Housing
• Free housing for interns may be provided in the Memphis Zoo’s condominium located near the zoo. The condominium has two bedrooms and houses up to 4 people/room. Interns may be required to share a bedroom with a same-sex roommate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees