Animal Care Internships

About the Program

The Internship Program in the Animal Care provides engaging learning experiences designed to inspire an ethic of stewardship in the next generation, stimulate interest in zoos as a viable career options, and to increase the diversity of professionals working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) within zoos, aquariums, and in the wild.

Internship Types

Three Internship programs are offered: Animal Care, Animal Food Logistics, and Welfare Research. All interns work hand-in-hand with Oakland Zoo staff to gain knowledge and learn applicable skill sets in their chosen internship. To enhance and demonstrate their experience, interns complete a project to apply their knowledge within their internship program. Interns will also attend scheduled classes during the program to further increase their knowledge about all aspects of zoo animal management, welfare, and conservation.

Animal Care Internship

Interns in this area will work closely with animal keepers to develop their skills in managing the care, health, and welfare of a variety of zoo animals. Interns are exposed to all of the husbandry techniques that it takes to care for the animals at the Zoo. You will be given the opportunity to gain valuable skills, on-the-job training, and experience that will be a great asset to you in the future as you continue to pursue your career. It also offers valuable experience to those who are planning to pursue a job in the animal care field or to apply to vet school. Interns are assigned to one string per internship.

Zoological Commissary Internship

Interns in this area will work side by side with the Commissary Keeper to develop their skills as a zoo chef in a commissary kitchen through making diets and learning the dietary needs for each animal. They will be given the opportunity to inventory and place orders for produce, meat, feed, and other animal dietary items and implement special requests from the keepers. Interns will benefit from learning the USDA and AZA standards in keeping a clean, safe and maintained commissary service area.

Rescue & Research Internship

Interns in this area will work closely with Animal Welfare & Research staff to understand aspects of wildlife rescue and applied research on a variety of animals at the zoo and in the field. Interns will benefit from hands-on experience in an active programs and training in data collection and analysis, problem solving, and participation in in situ and/or ex situ wildlife rescue and recovery. Previous experience in animal management or data collection is recommended, but not required.

Application Requirements and Process

Please Note:

• All internships are unpaid and housing is the responsibility of the individual. International students are responsible for all documentation and clearances.
• The application process for Internships is different than that of Animal Care Volunteers and the Behavioral Observation Team.
• These Animal Care internships are not suited for veterinary professionals. If you are are a veterinary student, please explore our veterinary externship program.

Requirements

• Age 18 or older
• Must commit to volunteering full-days, between 16-24 hours per week consistent with your own availability for the duration of the internship.
• Must complete 288 hours of service over a 12-18 week period with the duration of the program varying depending on the number of hours per week that you volunteer.
• Must be physically able to perform all duties as assigned including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and pull/push 120 pounds, walking on uneven or wet surfaces, and working in various weather conditions.
• Weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Must work as a team and with minimal supervision.
• Must adjust to changes in the daily routines.
• Must have an interest in animals, an ability to get along with others, a professional/neat demeanor, a drive to learn, and respect for safety.
• Must take directions well and pay careful attention to procedures and established protocols.
• Must follow instructions and carry out responsibilities in a safe and careful manner in order to avoid injury to themselves, to employees, to visitors, and to the animals.

Internship Timetable/Application Deadlines

Sessions

There are three Internships available each year with application deadlines:

• Fall: (September - December) July 15
• Winter: (January - April) November 15
• Summer*: (May - September) with a flexible start date between May 15–June 25) March 15

*Due to the considerable differences between the end dates for semester and quarter-system schools, allowance is given for individual start dates for the summer session.‍

Intern Application Process: Five Steps to becoming an ACCR Intern!

Step 1

• Submit an ACCR Intern Packet ensuring you meet all of the requirements of becoming an ACCR Intern. Download and complete the Oakland Zoo Intern Application.
• You will be asked to rank the programs in order of interest. However, if you are not interested in one or more of the programs, please leave that choice blank. Please note that some of the programs have limited capacity.
• Attach a cover letter explaining why you are applying (limit 500 words), a résumé or copy of your transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
• Submit your entire application packet via email to internships@oaklandzoo.org or mail to: Oakland Zoo Volunteer Program, P.O. Box 5238, Oakland, CA 94605. Email submissions are preferred.

Step 2

• Attend an ACCR Intern Interview. Those selected for ACCR internships are scheduled for phone interviews.

Step 3

• Provide proof of vaccinations and pay program fees. Selected interns will receive an acceptance email.
• Once an applicant is accepted into the program, a $50.00 program fee is required as well as proof of a negative tuberculosis test (within the last year) and proof of a tetanus shot (within the last ten years).

Step 4

Animal Care Intern Orientation:

Intern Orientations are held several weeks after program acceptance and are typically two to three hours long. During the Orientation you will learn about the Animal Care, Conservation, and Research Department, volunteer policies and procedures, and be given time for a self-guided tour of the Zoo. At this time, we will also collect the non-refundable volunteer fees and issue uniforms. Relevant guidelines, protocols, and other program-related information will be discussed.

Step 5

Enjoy your Internship! Once you have attended the Internship Orientation, you begin training and working with your assigned ACCR staff member.

Questions

Please email us or call (510) 632-9525 x169, or download the Details of the Intern Program and String Descriptions to learn more.

Email is the preferred form of communication for the program coordinators.

‍