Wildlife Care & Operations Internship - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

We are excited that you are continuing to grow your career with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and recognize that our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the daily care and wellbeing of wildlife, including food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote welfare. Interns will observe and document wildlife behavior, participate in briefings and trainings, and gain valuable knowledge of wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations.

In addition to supporting wildlife care, interns will assist with operational tasks that keep the park running smoothly. This includes maintaining clean and safe guest-facing areas, supporting opening and closing routines, and collaborating with departments like maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how cross-departmental efforts contribute to the success of a zoological institution.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Support wildlife care staff with routine husbandry tasks such as food preparation, feeding, cleaning enclosures, and providing enrichment to promote animal welfare. Observe wildlife behaviors and conditions throughout the day, accurately documenting and reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising wildlife care team. Actively participate in educational opportunities, including trainings, briefings, and team discussions to expand knowledge of Wildlife care practices, welfare standards, and zoo operations. Help ensure guest-facing areas (e.g., pathways, signage, viewing areas) are clean, safe, and presentable. Support the daily opening and closing routines of the park section. Work alongside departments such as maintenance, horticulture, education, and guest services to gain a broader understanding of how daily operations contribute to the success o