About the role#
Animal Care Interns work within departments such as Aquatics, Avian, Behavioral Husbandry, Carnivore, Contact Areas, Herpetology, Hoofstock, Lorikeets, or Primates. You will observe various species, assist with daily routines, and collect data that helps animal care professionals monitor animal well-being. This is a full-time, 12-week position for the Winter 2027 term.
What you'll do#
- Assist with daily husbandry, including cleaning habitats and managing diets.
- Prepare diets and help with feeding routines for select species under supervision.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting observations to staff.
- Support habitat and facility maintenance to ensure clean and safe environments.
- Assist with enrichment and training sessions.
- Maintain accurate records regarding animal care.
- Engage with visitors by answering questions about the animals and zoo operations.
- Complete a project that highlights your interests and takeaways from the internship.
What you'll need#
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Interest in working with animals and understanding their behavior.
- Ability to stand for long periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Willingness to learn about zoo operations, collections, and conservation efforts.
- Majors in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields are relevant.
Location & details#
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is a paid position at $12.50 per hour, plus a $700 living stipend for the 12-week term.
- Housing: Provided if you live outside a 40-mile radius of the zoo.
- Requirements: Candidates must pass a background check and drug screening, provide proof of a negative TB test, and hold a valid driver's license.
About Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo is a nonprofit institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1989, the organization operates on 188 acres of land. It maintains an animal collection within 88 acres of developed exhibits. The zoo serves the community through outreach programs and attracts over one million visitors every year.
How to get in at Nashville Zoo
Securing an internship at Nashville Zoo requires speed because high-interest programs fill quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first before the pile grows. Being an early applicant ensures your materials are seen before the volume of submissions becomes overwhelming. You can use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Connecting with the right person often improves your response rates compared to waiting for an automated system to process your application.
