The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2014 summer animal care internships.  The Zoo is seeking dependable, hard working college students interested in the field of animal care.  Interns will gain valuable experience with exotic animals by training with professional zookeepers.  These internships are unpaid and experienced based.  Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern.  The 2014 summer internship term will begin Sunday, June 1st and will continue until mid-August.  End dates may be no earlier than August 10th and no later than August 24th. 
Requirements:
-College student or recent graduate in biology, zoology, or related field
-Must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters at the start of the internship
-Student in good standing, GPA 2.5 or higher
-Capable of lifting 50lbs
-Up-to-date vaccinations, recent physical and negative TB test (dated within 6 months of start date)
-Available to work weekends and holidays
-Available to work 32-40 hours per week a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks beginning on Sunday June 1, 2014

*Acceptance into the program is contingent on passing a background check
**Animal experience is preferable, but not required   

To apply:
Applicants must submit all of the following documents to be considered
     -resume
     -letter of interest including dates of availability
	*please include any prior obligations and time off requirements
     -school transcript (may be unofficial)
     -completed internship application
     
 
Please Visit www.littlerockzoo.com to download an application.  
Click on the Learn Tab to find Internships
 
ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER IN ONE COMPLETE PACKAGE
 
Deadline for summer 2014 applications is Monday March 10, 2014.  Packages received after that date will not be considered regardless of postmark dates.
 

MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKAGES TO:
Little Rock Zoo
Attn: LRZ Internship Program
One Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
 
DO NOT E-MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY
 
Available Animal Care Internships

Carnivore Internship
(2 positions) 
Interns work alongside carnivore keepers learning their daily routines. Tasks may include, but are not limited to feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and public speaking.  Daily tasks include some strenuous activity, so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices.  Interns will be trained in all carnivore areas; Big Cats, Bears, and Small Carnivores.  Species include Lion, Sloth Bear, Ocelot, Fox, Grizzly Bear, Serval, Tiger, River Otter, Bush dog, Jaguar, Binturong, and many more.  Weekly schedule may vary, so interns must be flexible; any possible conflicts must be mentioned prior to the acceptance of the position. 

Hoofstock and Birds Internship
 (2 positions)
This position will offer interns the opportunity to learn husbandry practices for a wide variety of birds and hoofstock. Interns will shadow keepers in the Large Hoofstock, Small Hoofstock, and Birds. The large hoofstock area includes Giraffe, Rhino, and Asian Elephants.  During their time in Large Hoofstock, interns will be exposed to the elephant program and daily routine, however direct experience with the elephants will be limited.  Daily tasks include some strenuous activity, so candidates must be in good physical condition, able to lift up to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices.  Other animals will include Greater Kudu, Plains Zebra, Giant Anteater, Maned Wolf, Warthog, Lorikeets, Bald Eagle, Stanley Crane, a variety of free flight tropical birds and more.

Penguins Internship
(1 position)
This internship will focus on the husbandry of African Penguins.  Duties that interns will learn include cleaning, preparing fish, feeding, public interaction (including a daily talk given to the public), and record keeping.  Interns will also learn training and handling techniques.  Interns in this area may have experience with the Education and Wild Wonders routines.  Applicants should have excellent public speaking skills and be willing to work as part of a team.  Penguin interns must be able to lift 50 lbs.  An appreciation and desire to work with birds is important.  A basic dive certification is also a plus, but not a requirement.

Primates and Great Apes Internship
(2 positions)
Professional keepers will instruct interns in the daily husbandry of great apes and small primates.  Interns will experience feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, observational studies, and visitor interaction.  Each intern will spend equal time shadowing keepers in the Small Primate team and the Great Ape team.  Tasks may involve heavy lifting, so interns must be in good physical condition and able to lift up to 50lbs.  Suitable candidates must be positive, patient, good workers with well-developed observational skills.  Species in these areas include Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Lemur, Spider Monkey, Gibbon, Siamang, Tamarin, and many more.
 
Reptiles Internship 
 (1 position)
Interns will be instructed by professional keepers in the Reptile Department.  Interns will be trained to safely handle non-venomous species in the reptile department.  Venomous species will not be handled by any interns; however, interns will have the opportunity to learn about the care and handling of venomous animals.  The reptile department is home to over 75 species of snakes, lizards, amphibians, and turtles. 


Wild Wonders Internship
 (1 position)
This position is designed for students who are interested in conservation education and zoo animal husbandry.  Interns will be instructed by the education keeper staff, learning about training, enrichment, medical treatment, and general husbandry of a variety of birds of prey, small mammals, non venomous reptiles, are more. Interns will also participate in the zoo’s educational programs, including the Wild Wonders Animal Show. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, be self motivated, and work well in a team.  Species in this area include Bald Eagle, Opossum, Black-Footed Penguin, and a large variety of other small mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles.
 

If you have questions not answered by this page you may e-mail kbarszczowski@littlerock.org or shollister@littlerock.org, or leave a message at (501) 661-7271 and we will return your call.
