Job Description
Zookeeper Internship Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and dedicated to creating WOW moments that inspire stewardship of animals? As a premier destination for animal lovers and conservation advocates, Tanganyika offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the care and education of a diverse range of species while working in a supportive environment.
Why Tanganyika?
Innovative Conservation Efforts: Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to preserving wildlife and educating the public.
Engaging Work Environment: Enjoy a lively atmosphere where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.
Professional Growth: We are committed to providing ongoing training and development to help you advance in your career.
Community Impact: Work in a role that directly influences the lives of animals and helps our guests create memories that last a lifetime.
Our ten-month internship is designed for individuals eager to learn, engage with park guests, and assist in animal care across our diverse zookeeping teams. Interns will be on a daily rotation with 3 of our 5 animal care teams, allowing them to gain specialized experience. Additionally interns will have the chance to volunteer with all 5 care teams, providing a comprehensive experience across various animal species and care practices. With opportunities for hands-on learning, professional development, and guest interactions, this internship is perfect for those interested in pursuing a zookeeping, conservation, or wildlife-education career.
If you love watching guests feed lettuce to a giraffe, helping kids connect with lorikeets, chopping carrots, talking to guests about animals, and assisting keepers in daily husbandry and care then you need to spend the season with us!
Schedule: 27-40 hours per week
Duration: February 2025 - November 2025
Housing: Limited spots in shared housing available for $350/month
Responsibilities: Animal Encounter Stations: - Guest Engagement: Create memorable, safe, and educational encounters with animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, lorikeets, and more.
- Educational Guidance: Share engaging facts and conservation information with guests, while ensuring encounters are safe for both animals and people.
- Animal Encounter Stations: Prepare food, assist guests during feedings, and oversee interactions to ensure a safe experience.
- Station Upkeep: Maintain the cleanliness and organization of each station.
Zookeeper Assistance: - Morning and Afternoon Rounds: Spend 30 minutes to an hour each morning and afternoon with the zookeeping team, assisting with tasks such as food preparation, cleaning, and daily animal checks. Opportunities will be available to earn full paid days with keepers.
- Tanganyika Keeper Teams are BREZ (birds, roos, education animals, children's zoo), Carnivores, Hoofstock, Primates, and TMC (penguins, otters, sloths, armadillos, alligator).
Volunteer Opportunities: - Interns will have the chance to work alongside all 5 care teams at the park, even if the team is not selected for the interns rotation.
- Participate in special projects, routine animal care, and enrichment activities that enhance animal welfare and guest experiences.
Learning Opportunities and Challenges: - Workshops: Participate in workshops on topics such as animal behavior, enrichment design, zoo operations, and public engagement. Develop skills in resume writing, networking, career planning, and communication within the zoological field.
- Challenges: Engage in enrichment, training, and observational challenges, honing skills essential for animal care.
- Career Networking: Connect with professionals in the field and gain mentorship from experienced zookeepers.
Internship Highlights: - Hands-On Zookeeping: While your primary role will be guest engagement, you'll gain valuable zookeeping insights through direct interactions with keepers.
- Hands-On Animal Encounters: Develop public-speaking skills, share conservation messages, and contribute to guests' lasting memories.
- Flexible Learning and Guest-Focused: Interns must embrace flexibility, handle shifts in responsibilities, and maintain a guest-friendly approach.
Schedule: We understand the importance of consistency, so we will strive to create a predictable schedule. Shifts will be posted three weeks in advance, and we will work to maintain consistency in assignments wherever possible.
Expectations and Values: All interns are expected to uphold Tanganyika Wildlife Park's standards and adhere to our guidelines, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for both animals and guests. As representatives of our mission, interns should embody our core values. We seek individuals who are committed to learning, enthusiastic about guest interactions, and dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that inspire stewardship for wildlife.
Important Considerations: - Physical Demands: Expect long hours of standing and walking, often outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold.
- Guest-Focused Role: The internship emphasizes guest interaction, requiring a positive, energetic attitude, excellent customer service skills, and a friendly demeanor throughout the day.
- Limited Zookeeper Interaction: Although you will have valuable time with zookeepers, the primary focus of this internship is facilitating guest experiences.
- Flexibility Required: Interns will need to be comfortable with adjustments as the season progresses. Adaptability and a willingness to take on new tasks are essential.
Compensation and Benefits: - $11.50/hour
- In-House Discounts
- EAP - mental well-being program including therapy sessions for all staff and their immediate family
- Free admission to TWP for yourself and family
- Hands-On Animal Experience: Gain exposure to a variety of species and contribute to guest education about animal conservation.
- Affordable Housing: Limited shared housing available near the park for $350/month.
- Professional Growth: Gain knowledge in zookeeping and conservation through specialized workshops, mentorship, and practical experience.
Apply at If you have any issues applying please email shufford @twpark.com for assistance. Please note Tanganyika offers a summer internship that will be posted in the Spring of 2025. If you cannot work the full internship please email shufford@twpark.com to get on the notification list for this posting. TANGANYIKA WILDLIFE PARK LLC
Job Tags
Internship, Summer internship, Immediate start, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift,