American Association of Zoo Keepers

The Indianapolis Zoo hosts over 350 species of animals in naturalistic exhibits in five biomes including 14 endangered species, 19 Species Survival Plans (SSP), maintains 5 SSP breeding studbooks, spearheads 7 major conservation projects, and with the support of the Polly Horton Hix Institute for Conservation and Research, is one of the top conservation research facilities in the United States.   

Interns play an important role in animal conservation and have the unique opportunity to work alongside Keepers/Aquarists to assist in various aspects of maintaining the animal collection including animal husbandry, diet preparation and delivery, exhibit maintenance, as well as behavioral enrichment. The work is challenging, dirty, and often unglamorous, but can be highly rewarding. It offers the personal satisfaction of helping to provide healthy conditions for the animals along with the opportunity to learn the husbandry techniques of a world-class zoo. Animal Care Interns should be prepared to work in all weather conditions and must be extremely dependable.

These positions are offered year-round and can take place in one of three sessions:  Winter/Spring (January-April), Summer (May-August), and Fall (September-December).  Typically, Animal Care Interns work 40 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks in length. Intern positions are experience based and are therefore unpaid.  Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the Intern