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College and Other Internships

Our career internship program is one of the many ways Philadelphia Zoo demonstrates a commitment to its mission of conservation, education, science and recreation. Through our internships, we provide practical, high-quality experiences that help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Recent college graduates and career changers are encouraged to apply. Please note that all internships are unpaid and the Zoo does not provide housing.

Applications will be reviewed once all the required application materials have been received.

Are you a high school student? Check out our ZooCREW 1 teen volunteer program.

Veterinary medicine students seeking a clinical rotation at the Zoo should refer to the
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians for details.

Have questions? Be sure to visit the Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact the Volunteer Office at zoointerns@phillyzoo.org or 215-243-5601.

Testimonials

Here's what a few of our recent interns had to say about their experience.

"Thanks for all your encouragement throughout the internship. It always felt like I could do everything to the best of my ability and have lots of input, which has been rare in my previous internships."

"I have learned so much about professional management and how to all the while maintain a fun and encouraging learning environment conducive to developing a wide variety of skills. I can confidently say that my being part of this department since I graduated high school has contributed more than anything to my success in my extracurricular activities."

"I enjoyed learning about the different species and taking care of them. And that's the most important experience for me. Also I enjoyed working with a bunch of dedicated/hard working and upbeat colleagues. Thank you for giving me the opportunity."

"I know that I have learned a lot from all of you, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Philadelphia Zoo. You have all impacted my life in a wonderful way and I hope that I have done a little of the same for you as well. Thank you again for everything."

Available Internship Opportunities

Animal Care Internship
If you are a college student majoring in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Environmental Education or a related field or recent graduate in any of those fields and you are interested in a career working with animals, the Philadelphia Zoo can provide you with valuable hands-on experience.

Conservation Communication Internship
The Conservation Communication Internship will assist with the management of the Philadelphia Zoo’s UNLESS Campaign.

Development Internship
Support the Development Department of America’s First Zoo by contributing to the management of upper level membership programs: Friends of the Philadelphia Zoo and ADOPT.

Digital Marketing
Join the Zoo’s marketing team and help us drive attendance and build awareness of Zoo initiatives. The Digital Marketing Intern will support the Digital Strategist and Marketing Department with daily activities and projects.

Environmental Education & Animal Behavior Internship
The Environmental Education & Animal Behavior Internship is designed to provide practical experience in animal observation, education, conservation, and animal presentation.

Events Internship
Under the supervision of the Director of Events, the intern will be responsible for assisting in various phases of event production and administration. The internship program is designed to provide opportunities for students to learn about all phases of event production.

Human Resources Programming Intern
The Human Resources Intern plays an integral role in assisting with daily functions of the Human Resources Department for Philadelphia Zoo employees and volunteers. This position will include opportunities to learn general Human Resources and volunteer management responsibilities including recruitment, retention, recognition, benefits, wellness programming, and employee relations.

Public Education Internship
The Public Education Internship is designed to give college students practical experience in developing educational programming and events and the opportunity to gain a broad background of the Zoo community and how it operates.

Vet Tech Preceptorship
The preceptor will receive hands-on experience assisting our veterinary staff (three clinical veterinarians, three CVTs and a veterinary pathologist) with a wide range of day-to-day animal care duties.

Application Instructions

To be considered for an internship, you will need to complete the online application which includes uploading a resume, letter of recommendation and copy of your transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable). If you cannot upload any of your documents, you can either email them to zoointerns@phillyzoo.org or mail them to:

Philadelphia Zoo
ATTN: Human Resources – Internships
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Applications will be reviewed once all the required application materials have been received.

Click here to apply.

Please refer to the recruitment schedule below. NOTE: Some internships, particularly in administration, have more flexible schedules than others. This is a general guideline and is subject to change. Deadlines may be extended if positions are still available.

Animal Care, Environmental Education & Animal Behavior (EEABI), Public Programs:

SESSION	INTERNSHIP BEGINS	INTERNSHIP ENDS	APPLICATION DEADLINE	INTERVIEWS	OFFERS SENT BY (approximate)
Winter 1	October 22	January 13	End of September	September to October	Beginning of October
Winter 2	January 7	March 24	End of December	September to December	Beginning of January
Spring	March 18	May 26	March 1	Mid-January to March	End of February
Summer 1	May 20	August 11	March 1	Mid-January to March	April 1
Summer 2 EEABI & Public Programs ONLY	June 4	August 25	March 1	Mid-January to March	April 1
Fall	August 5	October 28	July 31	Mid-June to July	End of July

ADMINISTRATION (Events, Human Resources, Marketing/Communications, Development, Conservation)

SESSION	INTERNSHIP BEGINS	INTERNSHIP ENDS	APPLICATION DEADLINE	INTERVIEWS	OFFERS SENT BY (approximate)
Spring	Mid-January	Third week of May	December 15	December	December 31
Summer	Third week of May	Second week of August	March 1	Mid-January to March	April 1
Fall	Third week of August	First week of December	July 31	July to August	August 15
Winter EVENTS ONLY	Third week of October	Mid-January	September 30	September — Mid-October	October 15

Please contact zoointerns@phillyzoo.org for more details.