Animal Management Educational Internship at The Wilds

The Animal Management Educational Internship is a structured learning experience for students who want to explore careers in animal management and husbandry, including wildlife and exotic animal care, animal welfare, and conservation breeding. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and guided observation alongside experienced Animal Management professionals, interns build practical husbandry skills and professional knowledge that complement their academic studies. The internship introduces interns to The Wilds’ animal management program, including routine animal care and related research projects, and is designed primarily for the intern’s educational benefit.

Schedule:

• In 2026-2027 we are offering:
  • Three internships are available annually, each lasting up to six months (November through May).

Generally, Internships can be 20 hours per week, with an opportunity to increase number of hours per week scheduled in coordination with each intern’s academic commitments. Internships are time-limited and conclude on the scheduled end date.

• Scheduled learning hours can be any day, 8 am-4:30 pm.

Hands-on learning: interns learn about the daily care and management of wild animals through observation, guided practice, and mentorship from experienced staff, including animal diets, cleaning and feeding, enclosure maintenance, animal observations, record keeping, and how facilities support animal welfare. Intern activities are structured to support learning objectives and complement, rather than replace, the work of paid staff.

Skills training: instruction and guided practice in techniques and guidelines for working safely around wild animals; selection, preparation and presentation of proper foodstuffs; cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures; recognizing significant changes in animal behavior or condition, and an introduction to the implementation of conservation breeding programs.  Interns may also have the opportunity to observe and, under direct staff supervision, assist with veterinary medical procedures and moving animals including shifting, crating or other transport, capture and restraint, animal identification methods including ear tagging or transponder placement; and research techniques and methodology. Participation in higher-risk activities is determined by staff based on the intern’s training and is always under direct supervision.

Mentorship and evaluation: each intern is paired with a staff mentor who provides orientation, ongoing instruction, and regular feedback. Interns set learning goals at the start of the program and review their progress with their mentor and, where applicable, their academic program or faculty advisor.

This is an unpaid educational internship. Interns are not employees; they do not receive wages or employee benefits, and there is no promise or expectation of compensation, or of a paid position at the conclusion of the internship. The experience is ideal for students interested in a career in conservation, natural resource management, animal management, or ecological studies. Interns are encouraged to seek academic credit through their college or university, and we will work with schools to complete the documentation they require.

• Currently enrolled college student (second year or above) or recent graduate (2 years or more preferred) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field, seeking a learning experience that supports their academic and career goals.
• Interest in exotic animals and their care and medicine; prior experience is welcome but not required.

• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.

• Candidates must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated and able to work both independently as well as in a team.
• Availability to participate during scheduled learning hours between 8 am and 4:30 pm, coordinated with academic commitments.

• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.

• Able to lift and move up to 10lbs. constantly, 30lbs. frequently, and 50lbs. occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Possession of a valid current state issued motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Able to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Able to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, rain).
• Able to work in extreme heat environments (up to 104˚F) for limited periods of time.
• Able to work in extreme cold environments (to below 10˚F) for limited periods with proper protective equipment.

• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement
• Ability to adhere to The Wilds drug-free workplace policy
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check

• Ability to arrange their own transportation and housing (optional on-site housing is available; see below)

Application Requests: To apply, send your resume with references and a cover letter outlining your interest in the internship, your educational and career goals, what you hope to learn from the experience, and how your academic studies and past experience have prepared you for it. All internships at the Wilds are competitive and we value placing individuals in programs that align with their educational and career goals.

Housing: Optional on-site shared housing may be available and costs $250.00 per month.

Transportation: Interns must provide their own transportation.

Insurance: Interns must provide their own health and driving insurance.

Expenses: Interns are responsible for their own personal expenses.

RISE Scholarship Opportunity Eligible interns may apply for the Battelle-funded RISE Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to support hands-on, mission-driven internship experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. Applicants must be Ohio residents or attend an Ohio college or university and meet all other program eligibility requirements. 

If you are awarded a RISE Scholarship, the scholarship fund will be dispersed during the timeframe of your apprenticeship. 

Scholarship application windows: 

• Winter: October 1 - November 30 

• Spring: December 1 - January 31 

• Summer: February 1 - March 31 

• Fall: May 1 - June 30 

 To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships