Orangutans/Forests Primates Animal Care Internship

Description

The Indianapolis Zoo's Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for current college students to become actively involved in the Zoo's conservation, research, education and recreation efforts. Interns can enhance their knowledge and experience in various animal care and administrative roles. 

The Indianapolis Zoo is home to the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, recipient of the AZA's Exhibit Award for Innovation. This internship offers the opportunity to work side-by-side with the staff who care for the Zoo's 11 orangutans. Primate species in Forests include ring-tailed lemur and white-handed gibbon.​

To apply, please submit the Summer Session Application form, along with a cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation and a current (official or unofficial) transcript; March 10 is the deadline to apply. Please visit our website at https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/jobs-volunteer/internships/ for more information.

The Indianapolis Zoo protects nature and inspires people to care for our world. The Zoo is a world-renowned facility and the first to be accredited as a zoo, an aquarium and a botanical garden by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums. Home to nearly 1,600 animals and 23,000 plants, including many threatened and endangered species, the Indianapolis Zoo is the largest zoo in the United States that receives no direct tax support.

Responsibilities

-Support the Zoo’s mission of protecting nature and inspiring people to care for our world.

-Assists with cleaning, diet preparation and general husbandry of assorted animals.

-Assists with maintenance of exhibits, backup areas and food preparation areas.

-Assists with daily inspection of animals and exhibits to forecast potential health or security problems and exhibit needs.

-Observes and reports equipment and maintenance needs.

-May assist with record keeping, including enrichment, daily check-off assignments and fecal observations.

-Performs zoo keeping related duties as required.

-May work weekends, holidays or evenings as needed.

-Assist with keeper chats and demonstrations when needed.

Qualifications

Zoo Internships are open to current college students – who are at least at entering their sophomore year – enrolled in a four-year degree program. Interns serve 20-40 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Positions are experience-based and are therefore unpaid. The Zoo can provide information to assist with your housing and transportation search.