Interns

Internship

The Salisbury Zoo offers unpaid internships for college students and individuals pursuing higher education in animal care, education, or veterinary-related fields. Internships are available in the fall, spring, and summer seasons, with a minimum hour commitment which varies per department. Fall internships run from September to December, spring internships from January to May, and summer internships from June to August.

Internships are available in the following areas: education, animal care, and the animal hospital. Each area provides hands-on experience in a real zoo setting.

To support your academic progress, we are happy to collaborate with your school advisors to provide the necessary documentation for internship credit.

Department Overviews

Education Interns

Assist the education staff in providing care, creating diets, and supporting enrichment and training for the ambassador animal collection. Help with general maintenance, programming, events, office tasks, data logging, and any other responsibilities as needed. Interns will also have the opportunity to receive training to handle lower-level ambassador animals. A minimum of 150 hours must be completed, and all interns are required to complete and present a project by the end of their internship.

Animal Care Interns

Animal care interns work closely with animal care technicians to provide essential animal care, prepare diets, and maintain clean exhibits. Interns will have the

 opportunity to assist in developing and implementing enrichment activities for the animals. Additional responsibilities may include participating in afternoon projects, supporting behavior training, and assisting with medical procedures. Animal care interns must be available for morning shifts (8 a.m. – noon) and/or afternoon shifts (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.), with a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week, including both weekdays and weekends.

Vet Interns

Vet interns support our veterinary team by maintaining medical records, assisting with the care of hospitalized animals, and helping with hospital upkeep. Interns will have the opportunity to shadow medical

exams and procedures, with the potential to assist in certain tasks. To be eligible for an internship in the hospital, candidates must have prior hands-on animal experience and be at least 18 ye

ars old. Vet interns must be available for morning shifts (8 a.m. – noon) and/or afternoon shifts (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.), with a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week. Please note that weekend hours are not available for this position.

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If interested in applying for an internship, please fill out the appropriate provided application below.

Any additional questions can be addressed by Intern Coordinator, Kelly Colbert at kcolbert@salisbury.md

Applications

Spring Internships: (applications due by Nov. 15th)

Summer Internships: (applications due by April 15th)

Fall Internships: (applications due by July 15th)

Internship Application