Animal Care Intern - Fall 2026

Animal Care Intern - Fall 2026

Location: Central Park Zoo

Department: Animal

Duration & Schedule: Fall 2026 (September- early December) Approx 8-12 weeks; 16-24  hours per week

Stipend: $540-$1200 (depending on duration and schedule) paid as one lump sum upon the completion of the position, less applicable taxes. 

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by August 14, 2026; the position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Overview: 

The Animal Care Internship at the Central Park Zoo (CPZ) offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed for individuals pursuing careers in zoology, biology, veterinary medicine, or conservation. The goal of this internship is to provide hands-on education and training in animal husbandry. CPZ interns will learn many aspects of animal care including exhibit and enclosure maintenance, diet preparation, animal observation, animal handling (based on experience), and enrichment. CPZ interns will be assigned to a specific area: the Tisch Children’s Zoo, Tropics and Polar areas. Interns will also be invited to join in professional lectures and training sessions and also have the opportunity to learn about other career opportunities at the zoo.

Learning Outcomes:

• Interns will develop a comprehensive understanding of daily animal husbandry practices, including diet preparation, species identification, and the natural history of collection animals
• Interns will gain hands-on experience maintaining and evaluating animal habitats to support optimal health and welfare
• Interns will build skills in behavioral observation, data collection, and record-keeping, contributing to ongoing animal management and welfare assessments
• Interns will strengthen communication skills by engaging with zoo visitors and effectively interpreting animal care, conservation messaging, and zoo operations for the public
• Interns will acquire exposure to veterinary care through occasional observation of veterinary rounds (availability dependent), enhancing understanding of animal health management