Internship Application

Back to Careers

May/June 2022 Animal Care Internships

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is offering an opportunity for education and experience for tomorrow's workforce. The zoo has internship opportunities available to those interested in pursuing a career in Animal Care and Zoo Management. The intern program is designed to help applicants determine if a career with animals is right for them. It also offers valuable experience to those who are planning to apply to vet school or looking to pursue a job in the animal care field. You will learn, hands-on, all 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. Some of the areas interns will get instruction in include but are not limited to, cleaning, feeding, making diets, basic maintenance of areas, safety, and record-keeping, as well as the basics of Operant Conditioning Animal Training and enrichment. Interns will have the opportunity to do an enrichment-based project to increase their knowledge of one of the species that they work with.

Please note: All internships are unpaid and housing is the responsibility of the individual.

Requirements for all positions:

Applicants must be 18 or older.
A high school diploma or GED certificate is required. Preference is given to candidates that are pursuing a degree in a zoological related field.
Interns must complete a minimum of 16 hours weekly, ideally 24 hours (3 days a week) of service weekly for a period of 3 months. *The duration of the program will vary depending on the number of hours per week that you volunteer and the schedule must be consistent over the 3-month period.
All interns should have a basic interest in animals, an ability to get along with others, and a professional/neat demeanor.
They should follow instructions and carry out their responsibilities in a safe and careful manner in order to avoid injury to themselves, to employees, to visitors, and to the animals.
They must be physically able to perform cleaning, feeding and general husbandry tasks for animals in various weather conditions.
Weekend and holiday work may be required.
Interns are required to work as a team and with minimal supervision.
Participants must be able to adjust to changes in their daily routines.
Interns must also maintain a valid driver's license.

Internship Timetable

We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2022 internships. Start dates may be flexible depending on your availability. For more information, complete this application below.

required fields*

Name*

Email*

Phone Number*

Are you currently in college?*

YesNo

Are you receiving college credits for this internship?*

Preference for internship season: *

Date of Birth:*

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony? If yes, please explain. *

How did you hear about our internship? *

Do you have any medical conditions the Internship Coordinators should be aware of (e.g. asthma, back pain/problems, allergies, diabetes)? If yes, are you currently taking medications for these?*

Have you ever visited Gulf Breeze Zoo? If so, was it recently?*

What are your career goals? *

Do you have any experience working with animals? *

What is your favorite animal and why? *

What type of animals do you think you want to work with and why? *

Are you able to lift 30 lbs and work in the Florida climate? *

What are your views on zoos and aquariums? *

Are you a member of any animal organizations? ZAA, AZA, PETA, HSUS? *

What do you want to gain from this internship?*