The Utica Zoo is offering internships for the late winter/spring session.  Animal care interns assist with routine animal husbandry of over 200+ animals. The internship experience includes working alongside the animal care staff in the feeding, cleaning of enclosures, diet preparation, observation of animal behavior, enrichment and record keeping. 

The internship is UNPAID.  In addition, you must be able to provide your own housing and transportation (limited public transportation in our area).

Hours: Must be willing to commit a minimum of 8 hours per week in one or two day shifts of at least 4 hours.  In order to gain experience in all animal areas, candidates must work at least 12 weeks.  Interns may work up to 40 hours per week and up to 16 weeks . 

Qualifications: Must be in a biology based university program or be recently graduated from the same.  

Requirements:  Must be able to work in any weather conditions.  Must be able to lift 50lbs.  Proof of negative tuberculin test required.  Tetanus vaccination recommended.

Other:  Access to the staff veterinarian is limited; therefore, if your goal is to work with a veterinarian, this may not be the internship for you.  This internship is designed as a zookeeping program.  You will learn the inter-workings of a small zoo and how the animals are cared for.  The internship is very physical and demanding.  Direct physical contact with animals is often limited.  
 
Contact Details:  Submit a one page resume with cover letter to Beth Ricci, Senior Keeper, Utica Zoo, One Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY, 13501.  Preferred contact is through email.  Email: beth.ricci@uticazoo.org.  Phone: 315-738-0472 ext. 33  Fax: 315-738-0475.  The cover letter should include your areas of interest, goals and what you can offer the zoo.
