Animal Care Internship Africa - Spring 2026

Animal Care Internship : Spring 2026, Africa Team

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

Deadline to Apply : SPOTS ARE LIMITED-Apply today to join our Spring 2026 Africa Team Internship and Launch your future in wildlife care.

Step into the Wild Side of Conservation!

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside African Elephants, White Rhinos, Giraffes, and more? The Africa Team Internship at ZooTampa offers hands on experience in large mammal care, 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 passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!

AFRICA JOB DESCRIPTION

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

Description :

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is currently seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals interested in learning about the Animal Care field. The Africa Internship at ZooTampa is designed for college students or recent college graduates who are interested in a career in large mammal management and operant conditioning based animal training. Our interns work side-by-side with experienced animal care staff every day in order to create enrichment, educate zoo guests on conservation efforts & observe husbandry training for African Animals. Interns will have the ability to work around & care for a variety of species in the Africa Department; including White Rhinos, African Elephants, Okapi, Bongo, Red River Hog, Giraffe, Pygmy Hippo plus other Hoofstock & Avian species. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship.

Internship functions include, but are not limited to :

• Assist in diet preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, cleaning, record keeping, and other area responsibilities.
• Assist animal care staff in implementing enrichment for various species.
• Participate in trainer lecture series given by the animal care staff.
• Participate in behavioral observations and data collection / entry (as required).
• Develop fundamental understanding of operant conditioning.
• Assist animal care staff in training sessions

Qualifications :

Required Availability :

Physical Requirements :

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

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

Benefits :

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

Who is eligible?

High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.

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 own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship.

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

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