Heart of Africa Internship - Summer 2027
About The Position
The Heart of Africa Internship provides a basic understanding of general animal husbandry in the Zoo’s Africa Region. Interns gain hands-on experience and support the team in advancing the Zoo’s mission. The internship requires a minimum of 20 hours per week for 12 to 16 weeks. Interns assist full-time keeper staff with preparing animal diets, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits, observing animals and reporting behavioral changes, and learning basic training skills. Other duties may be assigned. Interns must also complete department-assigned quizzes, trainings, projects, and a final reflection paper. 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 the program’s other eligibility requirements. 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.
- Pass a required TB test.
- Balance multiple assignments successfully.
- Demonstrate 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, including weekends, evenings, and holidays such as July 4th, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day.
- Be subject to a BMV check.
Nice To Haves
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- Prior animal care experience is 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.
Benefits
- Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support eligible internship experiences.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
