Animal Care and Behavior Intern at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

University of Delaware; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience in an AZA accredited facility

Professional development workshops

Zoo Membership during internship

Free Zoo admission

Job summary

A leading zoological facility in Baltimore is seeking an Animal Care and Behavior Intern for a hands-on internship designed to provide experience in animal behavior and care. Responsibilities include assisting with daily animal care, collecting behavioral data, and engaging with visitors to promote conservation efforts. The role requires a friendly personality, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently. This position also offers professional development opportunities and hands-on training.

Qualifications

• Entry level position for gaining experience in animal care.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Willingness to learn about Maryland Zoo operations and conservation.

Responsibilities

• Collect animal behavior data for research.
• Assist with daily care routines, including cleaning and feeding.
• Monitor animal health and report observations.
• Support staff in habitat maintenance and cleanliness.
• Engage with visitors and educate them about animals.
• Complete a final project for presentation.
• Participate in various training programs.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Friendly and outgoing personality

Education

Current college student or recent graduate

Job description

Intern Position Description

Title: Animal Care and Behavior Intern

Department: Animal Care

Supervised by: Curator of Animal Behavior Programs, & Area Manager- Relief Keepers

Dates: February - May 2026

Time Commitment

Internships are 12 weeks and typically follow a part‑time workweek pattern: minimum commitment is 16 hours per week that can be made up of two full days or up to four half days, 7 days a week. The department supervisor sets final schedules.

Overview

Founded in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States and internationally known for its contributions in conservation and research. The Maryland Zoo is also a major tourist and education destination that welcomes 450,000 guests annually. Behavioral observation, animal care, and management are key components of an animal’s health and well‑being. Interns will observe a variety of species across the Zoo, assist with daily care routines, and collect data that will help animal care professionals make evidence‑based decisions regarding the animals’ well‑being.

Please note: Internships are unpaid, and there is no reimbursement for transportation or housing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with behavioral research by collecting animal behavior data.
• Assist with daily husbandry care, including cleaning habitats, replenishing food and water, and assisting with enrichment activities.
• Monitor animal health and behavior and report observations to animal care staff. Prepare diets and assist in feeding routines for select species under supervision. Help maintain accurate records related to animal care and observations.
• Support zoo staff with habitat and facility maintenance, ensuring clean and safe environments for the animals.
• Engage in hands‑on learning experiences, including enrichment design, training sessions, and animal handling (as appropriate for the species).
• Answer visitors’ questions about animals and the Zoo, helping to educate the public on conservation efforts.
• Complete a final project and present it to zoo staff at the conclusion of the internship. The project can be tailored to the position and department and may be used in your professional portfolio.
• Trainings include:
  • Animal Safety Training – Hands‑on instruction in safe animal interactions and species‑specific care protocols.
  • Husbandry & Enrichment Training – Learning how to assist with cleaning habitats, preparing diets, and implementing enrichment activities to support animal welfare.
  • Behavioral Observation Techniques – Training in data collection methods, note‑taking, and ethogram usage.
  • Emergency Procedures & Zoonotic Disease Awareness – Instruction on emergency response, biosecurity, and disease prevention.
  • On‑the‑Job Training – Mentorship and supervised, hands‑on experience assisting animal care staff in the assigned area.

Qualifications

• This is an entry level position for those looking to gain experience in this field.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and current college student or recent graduate.
• Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of age groups and ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, this will be a forward facing position.
• Friendly, outgoing and patient personality.
• Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to learn about Maryland Zoo amenities, layout, operations, animal collection, and conservation efforts.
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed.
• Must be able to stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time; and
• Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.

Training

All interns must complete Volunteer Orientation, a Self‑Guided Tour, and on‑the‑job training for position.

Benefits

• The opportunity to learn in an AZA accredited facility.
• Hands‑on experience, experiential learning and mentoring by our staff.
• Professional development workshops.
• Zoo Membership during your internship.
• Free Zoo admission, discount on purchases in Zoo gift shops and volunteer newsletter with wildlife news and Maryland Zoo happenings.

Maryland Zoo Internships may be applied to receive college credit in accordance with your school’s policy.

Apply here: https://www.marylandzoo.org/about-us/internships/

Please send resume and transcript here after applying: [e-mail]