Animal Care Internships

About the Program

The Internship Program in 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 option, 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.

We offer internship sessions three times a year. Internships range in duration from 9 to 18 weeks depending on how many days per week you are able to intern at the zoo.  A typical internship lasts 12 weeks, interning 3 days per week. All internships are unpaid.  Housing and transportation to the zoo is the responsibility of the individual intern. You can intern up to three times but there is no guarantee you will selected a second or third time for our program.

The Intern sessions are as follows:

• Fall: September through December. July 15 is the application deadline.
• Winter: January through April. November 15 is the application deadline.
• Summer*: May through September (with flexible start dates between May 15-June 25) March 15 is the application deadline.
• 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.

Internship Types

Two Internship programs that are offered through the Animal Care Department (Animal Care and Zoological Commissary). All interns work together with Oakland Zoo staff to gain knowledge and learn applicable skill sets in their chosen internship. To enhance and demonstrate their experience, interns can complete an optional 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 skills in managing the care, health, and welfare of a variety of zoo animals. Interns are exposed to the husbandry techniques through assisting with the care of animals at the Zoo. They will be given the opportunity to gain valuable skills, on-the-job training, and experience that are assets to the future as an animal care professional. The program offers valuable experience to those who are planning to pursue a job in the field of animal care or health. Interns are assigned to one string per internship.

Zoological Commissary Internship

Interns in this area will work side by side with the Commissary Staff 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 learn the process of ordering 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.

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 now similar to 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 at the start of the internship you are applying for
• Must commit to interning for full days, between 16-32 hours per week consistent with your own availability for the duration of the internship.
• Must complete 288 hours of service (36 days) over a 9–18-week period with the duration of the program varying depending on the number of hours per week that you volunteer. 12-week internships interning 3 days per week is typical.
• 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, career aspirations to work with 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.

• For the safety of our animals, Animal Care internships require:
• Measles (MMR) vaccination
• 1 documented dose of MMR received at or after 12 months of age
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (+ IgG in a serum specimen)
• Prior lab-confirmed measles disease (self-reported disease does not count)
• Birth before 1957
• Proof of a negative tuberculosis (Tb) test (or chest x-ray) within the last year and good through the entirety of the internship you are applying for
• Proof of a tetanus (TDaP) shot within the last 10 years and good through the entirety of the internship you are applying for
• Covid series plus booster and flu shot are recommended but not required.

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

Step 1

Complete and Submit ACCR Intern application through our website which will redirect you to our digital platform Volgistics. Please ensure that you meet all the requirements of becoming an ACCR Intern and fill out the application fully.

Attach a résumé

Attach Provide proof of vaccinations

For the safety of our animals, Animal Care internships require proof of:

Measles (MMR) vaccination:

1 documented dose of MMR received at or after 12 months of age

Laboratory evidence of immunity (+ IgG in a serum specimen)

Prior lab-confirmed measles disease (self-reported disease does not count)

Birth before 1957

Proof of a negative tuberculosis (Tb) test (or chest x-ray) within the last year and good through the entirety of the internship you are applying for

Proof of a tetanus (TDaP) shot within the last 10 years and good through the entirety of the internship you are applying for

Covid series plus booster and flu shot are recommended but not required.

Any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me at internships@oaklandzoo.org.

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Step 2

• Participate in an ACCR Intern Interview for those who are selected to move forward in the intern process. ACCR internships are scheduled for phone/video interviews.

Step 3

• Selected interns will receive an acceptance email.
• Once an applicant is accepted into the program, a $50.00 intern program fee will be collected for new interns and a $25.00 intern program fee (if they do not need new shirts and are still in good condition) for returning intern will be collected on their first day to cover the cost of the uniform shirts.
• $20 pullover sweatshirt available on interns first day for purchase of throughout their internship, optional

Step 4

Animal Care Intern Orientation:

Intern Orientations are held after program acceptance and are typically via video meeting (Zoom/Teams) and last approximately 2 hours. During the Orientation you will learn about the intern program Animal Care, Conservation, and Research (ACCR) department, intern policies and procedures. Relevant guidelines, protocols, and other program-related information will be discussed. On your first day we will also collect the non-refundable intern program fee, issue uniforms, hand you a map and give you a brief tour of the facility.

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 x258 to learn more (email preferred).