Heart of Africa Internship - Summer 2027

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks•Powell, OH

About The Position

The Heart of Africa Internship provides a basic understanding of general husbandry of animals in the Zoo’s Africa Region. Interns gain hands-on experience as they develop in their roles and assist the team in supporting the Zoo’s mission. The internship lasts 12 to 16 weeks and requires a minimum of 20 hours per week. Applications are accepted year-round; summer opportunities are reviewed in April and May. Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements. If awarded, the scholarship is disbursed during the apprenticeship. Scholarship application windows are Winter (October 1–November 30), Spring (December 1–January 31), Summer (February 1–March 31), and Fall (May 1–June 30).

Requirements

Be a second-year college student or a recent graduate (within two years) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related program.
Provide a required TB test.
Balance multiple assignments successfully.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Maintain a neat appearance and courteous behavior at all times.
Work in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow.
Work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and holidays, including July 4th, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day.
Subject to a BMV check.

Nice To Haves

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale preferred.
Prior animal care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist full-time keeper staff in preparing animal diets.
Clean and maintain animal enclosures and exhibits.
Observe animals and report behavioral changes.
Learn basic animal training skills.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Complete department-assigned quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper.