Zoo Atlanta Internships: A Launchpad for Aspiring Animal Professionals
Zoo Atlanta, situated in Georgia, provides a wide array of enriching internship opportunities for individuals passionate about wildlife conservation, animal care, education, research, and related fields. These internships offer invaluable experiences within a dynamic zoo environment, enabling participants to acquire practical knowledge and skills. From animal husbandry to educational outreach, Zoo Atlanta internships provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of zoological institutions.
Diverse Internship Opportunities
Zoo Atlanta internships span various departments, catering to a range of interests and academic backgrounds. These internships are designed to offer training and professional work experience that will help you achieve your academic goals.
- Animal Care: Internships with the Animal Care Team provide hands-on experience in animal husbandry, enrichment, nutrition, and veterinary care. Interns assist keepers in the daily care of animals, observe behaviors, and participate in habitat maintenance. As one former intern noted, the work ranges from preparing diets and servicing habitats to contributing to special projects.
- Education: Education internships focus on interacting with guests through facilitating educational programs and experiences. Interns engage with visitors through interpretive programs, presentations, and interactive experiences, inspiring others to help safeguard existing species through conservation.
- Research: Research interns collaborate on various projects, aiding in data collection, analysis, and documentation, contributing to the zoo's broader scientific endeavors.
- Veterinary: Provides Vet Tech and Vet Students with the opportunity to learn from Zoo Atlanta’s Veterinary Team while earning academic credits.
- Elephant Care: A perfect first step is to do an elephant internship. Interns are introduced to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Standards for Elephant Care and Management and will understand performance expectations and limitations, including safety. The Elephant Care Team has multiple routines, including our morning routine, cleaning the Zambezi Elephant Center routine, the naked mole-rat routine, and the meerkat routine, and interns are trained to assist care team members and complete training in all of them!
Eligibility and Commitment
Most internships are available for college students or recent graduates pursuing degrees in biology, zoology, environmental science, education, or related fields. Interns typically commit to a specified number of hours per week for a set duration, often ranging from a few months to a full semester. Interns commit to a regular schedule (20-40 hours per week) in a specific department for a short period of time (8-12 weeks).
Benefits of a Zoo Atlanta Internship
Interns receive firsthand experience in their chosen field, working directly with professionals in their respective departments. A former Bird Team intern highlighted the hands-on nature of the work, emphasizing that interns are often involved in the same tasks as full-time staff (with some exceptions for safety).
- Professional Development: Interns have the chance to build professional relationships and network within the zoo community.
- Educational Enrichment: The internship program often includes educational components such as seminars, workshops, and training sessions.
- Career Advancement: Internships at Zoo Atlanta can open doors for future career opportunities within the zoological field. Many zoos require experience in an AZA-accredited setting for potential new teammates, and an internship can be a fantastic way to gain this experience.
The Volunteen Program
For high school students ages 14 to 17, Zoo Atlanta offers the Volunteen Program. Volunteens work toward a minimum of 160 service hours over the course of the program year, with specific hour requirements during each of the three terms. This is a year-round program. Through their participation, Volunteens will develop advocacy for themselves and others, empathy for the world around them, and commitment, leadership, and customer service skills. Training Week, which is required for all Volunteens, will be June 1 through June 5, 2026.
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How to Apply
Before the semester deadline, submit your resume and other requested documents by clicking “Apply Now”. Ideal candidates for our elephant internship are in college or recent graduates with a life science degree (in biology, zoology, psychology, etc.) and want to pursue a career in professional elephant care and management.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering at Zoo Atlanta is a great way to expand your knowledge of endangered species, give back to your community, meet new people, and inspire others to help safeguard existing species through conservation. Education Volunteers focus on interacting with guests through facilitating educational programs and experiences. Our Event Volunteers assist with Public Events and Special Events throughout the year. Zoo Crew Volunteers support facilities, operations, and animal care teams at Zoo Atlanta. Community Groups and Corporate Groups can schedule days of service - a great way to build team bonds and support.
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