Internships

We are no longer accepting internship applications for Summer 2012. 

Please check back in November for Summer 2013 information!

The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2012 summer internships.  The Zoo is seeking dependable, hardworking, college students interested in the field of animal care.  Interns will gain valuable experience working with exotic animals by working with professional zookeepers.  These internships are voluntary and experience-based.  Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. 

Any further inquiries may be sent to kbarszczowski@littlerock.org, shollister@littlerock.org, or call (501) 661-7271.  

Requirements:

-College student with at least 4 completed semesters, or recent graduate

-Student in good standing, GPA of 2.0 or higher

-Capable of lifting 50lbs

-Up-to-date vaccinations, recent physical and negative TB test

-Available to work 32-40 hours per week for 10 consecutive weeks

-Animal experience is preferable, but not required    

To apply:

Applicants must submit all of the following documents to be considered:     

-resume     

-letter of interest including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations)     

-school transcript (may be unofficial)     

-completed internship application     

-short essay (applicable only the to Large Mammal Internship)     

To request an application, call (501)666-2406 or CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION!  

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER IN ONE COMPLETE PACKAGE  

Deadline for Summer 2012 applications is March 5th.  Packages received after that date will not be considered.  

Mail completed application packages to:

Little Rock Zoo

Attn: LRZ Internship Program

One Zoo Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205  

DO NOT E-MAIL APPLICATIONS.  APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY.         

Available Internships:

Carnivore Internship

(2 positions)

Interns work alongside carnivore keepers during their daily routines.  Tasks may include, but are not limited to feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and public speaking.  Daily tasks include some strenuous activity so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices.  Interns will be trained in all carnivore areas; Big Cats, Bears, and Small Carnivores.  Species include Lion, Sloth Bear, Ocelot, Fox, Grizzly Bear, Serval, Tiger, River Otter, Bush dog, Jaguar, Binturong, and many more.  Weekly schedule may vary so interns must be flexible; any possible conflicts must be mentioned prior to the acceptance of the position.  

Large Mammal Internship

(1 position)

This internship is designed for students seeking a career path in the care of large mammals, specifically Asian Elephants, Giraffe, Black Rhino, and White Rhino.  Interns will be trained and work alongside the large mammal staff.  Interns will have the opportunity to learn about natural history, training, enrichment, medical practices, and general husbandry of large captive mammals.  Daily tasks incldue some strenuous activity so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices.  Due to the physical demands and safety provisions of this area, candidates interested in being considered for this position must also provide a short essay stating examples of good work ethic, working within high performance teams, and working within strict safety parameters.  Successful candidates must have a strong work ethic, a previous understanding of large mammal care and training.

A position designed for interns interested in the husbandry of birds.  Interns will work with the bird keepers staff learning about training, enrichment, medical treatment, and general husbandry of birds.  The focus of the internship will be birds; however interns will also have the opportunity to work with a variety of small mammals.  Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be self motivated and adaptable, and work well in a team.  Previous knowledge of a variety of bird families is also desired.  Species in these areas include Crowned Crane, Bald Eagle, Saurus Crane, Lorikeet, Spoonbill, Warthog, and many more.          

Penguin Internship

(1 position)

This internship will focus on the husbandry of African Penguins.  Duties will include cleaning, preparing fish, feeding, public interaction (including a daily talk given to the public), and record keeping.  Interns will also learn training and handling techniques.  Applicants should have excellent public speaking skills and be willing to work as part of a team.  Penguin interns must be able to lift 50 lbs.  An appreciation and desire to work with birds is important.  A basic dive certification is a plus, but not a requirement.

Primates and Great Apes Internship

(2 positions)

Interns will be trained by professional keepers to work in the Great Ape and Primate areas.  Duties include, but are not limited to: feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, observational studies, and visitor interaction.  Tasks may involve heavy lifting, so interns must be in good physical condition and able to lift up to 50lbs.  Suitable candidates must be positive, good workers with well developed observational skills.  Species in these areas include Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Lemur, Spider Monkey, Gibbon, Siamang, Tamarin, and many more.  

Reptile Internship

(1 position)

Interns will work alongside professional keepers in the Reptile Department.  Interns will be trained to safely handle non-venomous species in the reptile department.  Venomous species will not be handled by any interns; however interns will have the opportunity to learn about the care and handling of venomous animals.  The reptile department is home to over 75 species of snakes, lizards, amphibians, and turtles.    

Small Hoofstock Internship

(2 positions)

Interns in this area will split their time equally between the Farm area and Small Hoofstock area.  Working in the farm, interns will learn the care of domestic, minor breed mammals and birds, as well as a variety of non-domestic species.  The farm is home to minor breed chickens, goats, horses, geese and sheep as well as flamingos, prairie dogs, rabbits and more.  While working in the Small Hoofstock area, interns will learn the care for a variety of exotic species of Hoofstock and birds.  Species in this area include Greater Kudu, Zebra, Stanley Crane, Giant Anteater, and more.  Tasks may involve heavy lifting, so interns must be in good physical condition and able to lift up to 50lbs.  Suitable candidates must be positive, good workers.       

Wild Wonders Internship

(1 position)

A position designed for students who are interested in conservation education and zoo animal husbandry.  Interns will work with the education keeper staff learning about training, enrichment, medical treatment, and general husbandry of a variety of small animals. Interns will also participate in the zoo’s educational programs including the Wild Wonders Animal Show. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be self motivated, and work well in a team.  Species in this area include Bald Eagle, Opossum, Black-Footed Penguin, and a large variety of other small mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles.