Wildlife Care Internship - Hands-on Training & Enrichment

Nashville Zoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 14,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly rate $12.50/hour

Housing provided if outside 40 miles

Living stipend $700 per 12-week term

AZA-accredited experience

Professional development series

Hands-on learning

Job summary

Nashville Zoo is offering a Spring 2027 Animal Care Internship. Interns will be placed in Aquatics, Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, or other areas, with final placement by the Zoo. Expect 30–40 hours per week for about 12 weeks, start 1/18/2027, end 4/16/2026.

Responsibilities include daily husbandry, health and behavior monitoring, diet preparation, and keeping accurate records. Training emphasizes enrichment, observation, and hands-on learning alongside staff.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift moderately heavy loads.
• Interest in working with animals and learning animal behavior.
• Entry level position offering hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily husbandry care, including cleaning habitats, managing diets, and enrichment.
• Monitor animal health and behavior and report observations to staff.
• Prepare diets and assist in feeding routines for select species under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care and observations.
• Support staff with habitat and facility maintenance for clean, safe environments.
• Engage in hands-on learning experiences, including enrichment design and training sessions.
• Answer visitors’ questions about animals and the Zoo to educate the public on conservation.
• Complete a project highlighting intern’s interests and takeaways from the experience.

Skills

Endurance (standing)

Lifting 50 lbs

Communication

Organizational skills

Interest in animals

Entry level

Outdoor work

Job description

Nashville Zoo is offering a Spring 2027 Animal Care Internship. Interns will be placed in Aquatics, Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, or other areas, with final placement by the Zoo. Expect 30–40 hours per week for about 12 weeks, start 1/18/2027, end 4/16/2026.

Responsibilities include daily husbandry, health and behavior monitoring, diet preparation, and keeping accurate records. Training emphasizes enrichment, observation, and hands-on learning alongside staff.