Internship

Intern Programs

application window for Spring internships is now Open!

Naples Zoo’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and help conserve wildlife and our natural world. Through our internship program individuals learn through a variety of disciplines and have the chance to obtain a unique and meaningful career experience in a beautiful setting with amazing animals.

Our internships are designed to provide individuals who are currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college the opportunity to have an in-depth, hands-on experience learning and working in the zoo profession.

Basic Internship Requirements

To be considered for a Naples Zoo internship, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age and completing the internship for school credit or have recently graduated with a degree related to the internship
• Have a minimum of one year of college with a 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA
• Have a sincere interest in the field for the desired placement
• Commit to a work schedule with a minimum of three days per week for 10-12 weeks

Internships are available for Summer (May/June - August), Fall (September – November) and Spring (January – April)

Carnivore Internship (AVAILABLE)

Naples Zoo’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and help conserve wildlife and our natural world. Through our internship program individuals learn through a variety of disciplines and have the chance to obtain a unique and meaningful career experience in a beautiful setting with amazing animals.

Our internships are designed to provide individuals who are currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college the opportunity to have an in-depth, hands-on experience learning and working in the zoo profession.

This internship is catered towards individuals who have a strong desire to work with carnivores in a zoological setting. Interns will be exposed to a variety of carnivores within our collection. Interns will learn from and work with keepers, assisting in the daily husbandry of all zoo carnivores, including enrichment activities and observing operant conditioning training sessions. They will be exposed to routine daily record-keeping practices and will have the opportunity to observe veterinary procedures when possible. Other duties will include routine animal observations, reporting any concerns to the keepers on duty, and other tasks as assigned.

Interns will be expected to follow the safety guidelines set forth by the keepers they are assisting. Carnivores are dangerous animals and working with and around them provides the opportunity for potentially dangerous situations and/or interactions. Zero tolerance will be had for interns who do not follow safety guidelines.

This internship is a physically demanding experience and will require intermediate levels of strength and flexibility as well as the ability to work for long periods of time on their feet. Candidates must have the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially in rain and heat typical of South Florida. Uniform shirts will be provided to all interns upon the start of internship.

Responsibilities:

• Interns may work with tiger, hyena, cheetahs, bear, coyote, honey badgers, Florida panther and/or other animals based on additions to the collection
• Animal Care: daily husbandry, exhibit maintenance, animal observations, observing animal training, diet/enrichment preparation, record keeping
• Engagement: informal interactions with Zoo guests on a daily basis. The intern will be expected to write and deliver species specific talks to the public twice during the internship
• Project: All interns are required to complete an observation-based research project or other deliverable as determined by internship area
• Research: Become familiar with Species Survival Plans (SSP) and AZA accreditation, as well as natural history, current research and conservation studies related to animals in area of internship
• Other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and completing the internship for school credit or have just graduated with a degree related to the internship.
• Must have a minimum of one year of college with a 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA
• Must have a sincere interest in the field for the desired placement.
• Ability to interact with a diverse team of animal programs staff, interns, volunteers and guests.
• Ability to follow directions of paid staff for personal safety and the safety/care of all animals.
• Ability to work a minimum of three days per week for 10 weeks. All shifts begin at 7:30 am and end at 4:30 pm.
• Must be able to work irregular schedules including weekends and holidays, if applicable during placement.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, be flexible, and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Selected candidates must be willing to undergo a TB test (paid for by Naples Zoo).
• Interns will undergo a drug screen and background check prior to placement. Interns are expected to remain drug-free throughout the term of the internship. Random drug screenings may be conducted on an unannounced basis.

Wages

All Naples Zoo Internships are unpaid.

Application Process

All applicants must submit a completed application form, resume and cover letter. Application forms can be found at napleszoo.org/internship.

Application and documents should be submitted via email to [email protected] or by mail to Naples Zoo Attn: Internships 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd Naples, FL 34102.

Internship Term: Mid-January – Beginning of April

Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 13, 2026

Acceptance Notification: BY DECEMBER 15, 2026

Mixed Mammal Internship (AVAILABLE)

Naples Zoo’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and help conserve wildlife and our natural world. Through our internship program, individuals learn through a variety of disciplines and have the chance to obtain