National Aquarium Internships: Inspiring Conservation Through Hands-On Experience

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, stands as a beacon for aquatic conservation, striving to change how humanity cares for our ocean planet. Beyond its captivating exhibits, the Aquarium actively fosters the next generation of conservationists through a variety of educational programs and, most notably, its internship programs. These internships offer invaluable hands-on experiences, allowing students and recent graduates to contribute to the Aquarium's mission while gaining practical skills and professional connections.

A Continuum of Educational Opportunities

The National Aquarium's commitment to education extends far beyond its internship programs. Through a continuum of programs for students, from pre-K through college, the Aquarium inspires young people to recognize their integral connection to nature through the lens of environmental justice.

On-Site Programs: Aquarium visits provide immersive educational experiences for guests of all ages, showcasing diverse aquatic habitats and species.
AquaPartners: This standards-based Chesapeake Bay program engages third, fourth, and fifth graders through in-school activities, lab investigations, and field experiences. The program is available to public and private schools within an hour's travel of the National Aquarium.
Inner Harbor Studies: Sixth-grade students from Baltimore City Public Schools participate in researching aquatic species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including the Inner Harbor, by testing water quality and conducting animal surveys.
Terrapins in the Classroom: Maryland students study diamondback terrapins, the state reptile, by observing hatchlings in their classrooms for a year, collecting data, learning animal care, and researching the species before releasing them back into their natural habitat on Poplar Island.
Read to Reef: In partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library, this book club encourages children to read and rewards participating families with free Aquarium admission.
Henry Hall Endowment Fund: Established in 1982, this fund provides free educational opportunities for students who attend or have graduated from Baltimore City Public Schools.
Volunteer Opportunities: Local high school students can volunteer during the summer, assisting staff and sharing the Aquarium's mission. Volunteers also assist throughout the Aquarium, at the Animal Care and Rescue Center (ACRC), and in the field.

The National Aquarium Internship Program

Internships at the National Aquarium are designed to provide stimulating, hands-on work experiences that enhance any college education. By applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, interns gain valuable experience and establish professional contacts. The Aquarium offers both on-site and remote internships, depending on the duties and requirements of the specific position.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an internship, applicants must be currently enrolled in college or have graduated in the semester immediately preceding the internship.

Program Details

The National Aquarium's Internship Program offers paid, hands-on, mission-driven experiences for emerging professionals. Interns complete 200 hours of work over 10-12 weeks during the summer. The program is open to adults 18 and older, with education requirements varying by position.

Read also: Community College Options

Veterinary Internship in Aquatic and Zoo Animal Medicine

For aspiring veterinary professionals, the National Aquarium in Baltimore offers a one-year veterinary internship in aquatic and zoo animal medicine. This intensive program provides comprehensive training in all aspects of animal medicine and surgery within an aquarium setting.

Responsibilities and Training

The veterinary intern is integral to all aspects of animal medicine and surgery at the Aquarium, participating in:

Physical examinations and sample collection
Routine, quarantine, and emergency medical treatment
Disease diagnosis
Radiology
Anesthesia
Surgery
Gross necropsy
Clinical pathology

The intern will work with a diverse collection of over 16,000 animals, representing over 700 species of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including bottlenose dolphins.

Marine Animal Rescue Program

A significant responsibility of the veterinary intern is the daily management of stranded animals through the Marine Animal Rescue Program, typically handling 0-5 seals and 7-20 sea turtles annually.

Teaching and Supervision

The intern is actively involved in teaching and supervising veterinary students, further enhancing their leadership and communication skills.

Research and Publication

A key requirement of the internship is the production of a paper (case study/series or retrospective research) suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal prior to the program's completion. Additionally, the intern is responsible for delivering two in-house staff training lectures.

Opportunities for Rotations and Collaboration

The internship offers opportunities for rotations at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore or other facilities, as well as attendance at monthly resident/journal rounds at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park and case rounds with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, based on the intern's interests.

Veterinary Team

The veterinary team consists of 3 clinicians (including the intern), two veterinary technicians, and 3 laboratory technicians managing water quality and clinical laboratory samples.

Accreditation and History

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has offered the veterinary internship since 1993. Prior interns have consistently secured positions in the zoo or aquatic animal veterinary field and have pursued ACZM board certification.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

Exceptional basic veterinary medical and surgical skills, as well as familiarity with aquatic/zoo/exotic animal medicine, are essential. Candidates should possess demonstrated ability to work in a busy, multi-veterinarian practice with excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in computer-based medical records. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school is required, along with the ability to obtain a license to practice in Maryland, a Maryland driver's license, and USDA accreditation for health certificates.

Read also: Financial Aid at MICA

Professional Fellowships

In addition to internships, the National Aquarium offers professional fellowships, which are specialized, project-based work experiences that advance the Aquarium's mission. These positions are grant-funded and subject to availability, with varying timing and duration depending on the project.

Core Values and Mission

The National Aquarium operates based on core values of integrity, innovation, service, excellence, and engagement, which guide its behavior and actions in achieving its mission: to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The National Aquarium is dedicated to creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to people from all backgrounds.

tags: #baltimore #aquarium #internships