Animal Care Internship Animal Nutrition - Spring 2026

Animal Care Internship Animal Nutrition- Spring 2026

Internship Period : February 24, 2026-May 29, 2026

Deadline to Apply : SPOTS ARE LIMITED-Apply today to join our Spring 2026 Animal Nutrition Team Internship and launch your future in wildlife care and conservation!

Step into the Wild Side of Conservation.

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside the Animal Nutrition Team? The Animal Nutrition Internship at ZooTampa offers hands-on experience in dietary preparation, behavioral training, and real-time conservation education. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with professional animal care staff, gaining behind-the-scenes insight while building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management. From collecting behavioral data to creating enrichment and engaging with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. If you're passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!

Animal Care Internship, ANIMAL NUTRITION

Please note : If you seek an Animal Care internship, do NOT apply for more than two internships per term; applying to more than two may result in disqualification.

Description :

While working in the Animal Nutrition Department, interns will learn all aspects of diet preparation for ZooTampa. The intern's primary role focuses on zoo-wide diet preparation with opportunities to create enrichment. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship. On occasion, interns may assist other Animal Teams with projects or the Zoo Registrar in logging various enrichment data into our system.

Internship functions include, but are not limited to :

• Prepares animal diets as instructed by Nutrition Center Manager and Veterinarian, including but not limited to weighing, chopping, mixing, measuring, packing, and handling various sources of protein.
• Ensures quality control of all food items and goods.
• Responsible for maintaining proper sanitation in food preparation areas and keeping equipment, walk-ins, freezers, and storerooms cleaned.
• Follows the departmental safety procedures provided.
• Assist with researching and formulating novel animal enrichment ideas and devices for Animal Department use.
• Create food-based enrichment for approved requests within the Animal Department.

Qualifications :

Required Availability :

Physical Abilities :

Additional Requirements :

If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on :

Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume to be considered for a position.

Benefits :

Internships are unpaid and designed to meet academic requirements and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of training may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when appropriate, and important networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements. Before beginning the internship, candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school. Successful completion of training may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.

Who is eligible?

A high school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume to be considered for a position.

International Internship Eligibility Requirements :

Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position.

Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.

Please Note :

Interns must make their accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship.

Please visit https : / / zootampa.org / intern-at-zootampa / for more information

recblid cb6umq91mg7wkmvaawvpaxs2y9xpa5